the crucible

[fillyfi]

to what extent is john and elizabeths relationship the focus of the crucible?

[fillyfi]

sorry...
it's my daughters homework!!!

[EngTeach]

John cheated on Elizabeth with Abigail and it is Abigail who starts the witchery and the hunt against Elizabeth. The girls are accused of dancing and chanting in the woods and they were doing it because Abigail wants a spell or charm to make John leave Elizabeth. Once caught Abigail is the catalyst for Rev. Hale looking at J and E's home for witchcraft. She even plants evidence.

I would say that this is a secondary plot line as the whole play is symbolic of the McCarthy hearings in the US at the time Miller wrote this. Though the story of J and E is quite a love story.

John pointedly says that Elizabeth does not lie, yet when in custody she lies to try and save John's good name, thus condemning to be hanged as he refuses to admit to being a witch and sign a paper to that effect. He dies to save his name and for the protection of that name for his children.

Their relationship and its shortcomings does drive the play when I look at it from this question.

I love this play and teach to my 11th graders every chance I get. Would love to see some of the assignments given by your daughter's teacher.

[fillyfi]

thanks Eng Teach, most helpful. can't help with something i've never read... he seems to set things above them but i suppose thats what learning is all about...

[EngTeach]

Good Luck and thanks for acknowledging my response!
ET

[Yes-Chef]

She should be doing that homework herself. Get her to read The Crucilble for god's sake.

[fillyfi]

she did do it herself!!! i had just never read the play and needed to get the gist of it. so could understand what she was doing.