The Crucible Movie Vs. The Play (text)

Essay by dmilneHigh School, 12th gradeB+, January 2004

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Over the years many movies have been made based upon famous plays or books. Often times these movies are successful in portraying the play-writer's images and thoughts for the play or book. Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible and the movie version have many differences and similarities, all of which contribute to the individual effectiveness of each in conveying their central message. There are several additions and changes to the plot, characters, and mood of the play, which have been implemented into the movie.

To begin, some scenes in the movie were only talked about or made reference to in the play, but in the movie these scenes take place and the viewer actually sees the event happen. For example the scene where the children and Tituba are dancing in the forest is never seen in the play, instead we learn about it through dialogue. This scene was probably added in the movie for a dramatic effect.

The director uses foreshadowing, to change the mood of the scene and perception of the audience. Along the same lines, there are many scenes included in the movie that are outdoors. However, these scenes were not the same in the play version of the crucible because in the play these scenes took place indoors. Another slight change in the movie from the play is that in the movie the Proctor's have two kids, but in the play they have three. Another scene that is in the movie that is not in the play is the final scene where Proctor is executed. In the play they do not talk about Proctor's hanging, the book ends with Elizabeth saying, "He has his goodness now..."(Miller 145). The changes made to The Crucible for the movie version enhance the plot and make it easier to follow.

Mood can...