The Crucible provides us with an example of a masterpiece of dramatic writing. In this play Arthur Miller offers us a stimulating example of the use of a variety of theatrical techniques. His most powerful scenes in "The Crucible" have common characteristics: very effective use of stage actions, long build-ups of suspense that collapse into thundering climaxes, intense displays of emotion and an abundance of dramatic irony. These are the three scenes I chose: p46-50: "Tituba........Devil!", p98-100: "She thinks.......Oh God" and p101-105: " You…..Mr. Hale!”. Because of the importance of these scenes as key moments in the play, Miller makes them dramatically superb, so that Elizabeth's "No, sir" that decides the outcome of dozens of lives and that of hers and her husband, John Proctor, it is also the climax. of the most effective accumulation of suspense in the work. The effectiveness of these scenes is also enhanced by powerful characters such as John Proctor and Danforth who display such intensity in their emotions and actions that the audience cannot help but be moved. But above all, these scenes showcase Miller's theatrical qualities, so much so that by the end of each of these scenes we not only understand his message but also find ourselves convinced by his arguments. The dramatic impact of a play increases when the audience understands all the different aspects of the main characters. It helps them get more involved and at the same time gives the author a chance to show some dramatic irony. Miller uses stage action to this end in the first choice scene of "The Crucible." In this scene, Tituba's internal conflict and Hale's resolution are clearly expressed through the stage actions. Tituba first denies seeing... middle of paper... power. “The Crucible” is considered by many to be Miller's masterpiece, deploying its dramatic and theatrical qualities in such a way that makes it disturbing and socially relevant. In it one can find his views on society as a whole and on current events such as McCarthyism which, similarly to the medieval Church and the judicial system, sought individuals who with their ideals and ideas felt threatened by the supremacy of their system. Miller made "The Crucible" the starting point for audiences to reflect on their own society and culture. But at the same time Miller has perfected his profound philosophical work with superb captions, likable characters and unnerving suspense. Works Cited The Crucible: Fact & Fiction by Arthur Miller http://www.ogram.org/17thc/crucible.shtml Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Screenplay. New York: Penguin Books, 2006.