Here we again see how Abigail uses her position of power in the court. When Hale says “ This girl has always struck me false.
During this I would make Proctor place his head in his hands, and the girls passing very discreet smirks between one another. To emphasise this Danforth should ignore him, walking back to his bench, not even turning to say, “she spoke nothing of lechery, and this man has lied”. I think the audience would be thinking this has come too late. Hale then tells the court that he “believe” s Proctor and tells the court he has always “struck me true”. This I think is because if she had not denied the affair it would have also left serious questions about Danforth’s skills of judgement. This is shown as he immediately orders the Marshal to “Remove her”. The speed of Danforth’s reaction seems to suggest that this was the answer he wanted, as it is quick and dismissive of the appeals. When it comes the will be very taken aback, but will not be given time to recover as the action will continue quickly. This should again build up huge tension in the audience in the wait for Elizabeth’s decision. When Elizabeth denies her husband is a “lecher” replying timidly to Danforth’s ferocity “No, sir” I would have the whole court freeze except Elizabeth and a spotlight on her when she says the line “No, sir”, then instantly the lights should come back up, and the action continue. This is one of the points in the scene where one of the characters could have changed to outcome of the play. This should create suspense in the audience, as they can sense Elizabeth’s dilemma, but know what John expects her to do. He says that in her life “she have never lied”.
Proctor is certain she will tell the truth, as she never lies. Elizabeth is called in to confirm Proctor’s claim that he and Abigail had an Affair. Whether to denounce Abigail and keep to her Christian convictions, or to save Johns name from shame. This should symbolise Elizabeth’s dilemma. This should create a dramatic triangle between Elizabeth, Proctor, and Abigail. Danforth should stand down centre facing out, and when Elizabeth reaches the stage she should stand close in front of him facing towards him. This should show the audience how the pressure has all been shifted to Elizabeth. Hale should be close to him, but further right, looking nervously, but slightly expectantly, at Elizabeth. Proctor should stand the mirrored position of Abigail, again facing back. The girls should stare wide-eyed at Elizabeth. I would group the girls on stage left, with Abigail slightly nearer the centre and facing back. When Elizabeth is called in to the court I think she should be led in from the back of the auditorium, which will build up suspense and tension in the audience.
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