In Puritan Salem, physical touch was heavily restricted. Therefore, when characters invade each other's personal space, it is deeply shocking. Examiners want you to use Proxemics to describe how actors show dominance, fear, and emotional distance. Click the scenes below to visualize the stage movement.
❄️ The Cold Marriage (Act 2)
What happens: John and Elizabeth Proctor eat dinner in their farmhouse. The tension of John's past affair with Abigail hangs heavy in the air between them.
Exam Focus & Proxemics:
Proxemics (Distance): A wide physical gap between John and Elizabeth. They occupy opposite sides of the long farmhouse table, visually representing the emotional chasm in their marriage.
Acting: John steps forward to try to close the gap and kiss her. Elizabeth's posture remains completely rigid, and she receives the kiss without returning it.
The Set: The long, heavy wooden table acts as a literal, physical barrier separating husband and wife.