Synopsis & Journeys

Tracking the escalation of mass hysteria.

The Pressure Cooker

A "crucible" is a container used to heat metals to extreme temperatures to melt them down and remove impurities. Miller structured the play to mimic this: each Act applies more intense psychological pressure to the characters until their true moral nature is exposed. The tension must constantly rise.

Interactive: The Escalation Timeline

Act 1 Act 2 Act 3 Act 4

Act 1: The Spark (Parris's House)

Plot: Rumors of witchcraft sweep Salem after Reverend Parris catches his niece Abigail and other girls dancing in the woods. His daughter Betty lies in a mysterious coma. To avoid punishment, Abigail bullies the other girls into silence and falsely accuses the slave, Tituba, who is forced to confess to save her life. The girls join in, naming other women as witches.

Exam Focus & Directing:
  • Acting (Hysteria): The girls start with whispered, fearful secrecy. By the end of the Act, they are engaged in a frenzied, loud, ecstatic chanting.
  • Acting (Status): Abigail uses intense physical intimidation (grabbing, shaking) to dominate Mary Warren and the younger girls.
  • Atmosphere: Claustrophobic. The single bedroom set forces characters to invade each other's personal space.