The Crucible: Mood 1 key example

This early tension seems almost trivial, especially because of how silly the initial claims seem. It’s easy for the audience not to take the situation seriously. As the accusations spread and the trials begin, paranoia takes over, making the audience increasingly nervous. The growing frenzy of suspicion infects the community, which gives the atmosphere of frantic chaos during the height of the trials an edge of panic. This chaotic mood shows the audience how claustrophobic and anxiety-inducing the aura of Salem was during this time. They feel how trapped and desperate these characters are.

Desperation sets in during the scenes focusing on John Proctor's fate. The audience finds themselves on the edge of their seats as Proctor’s attempts to expose the truth are thwarted one by one. The frantic energy of the earlier scenes gives way to a more intense and sympathetic anxiety for Proctor. As his struggle and the potential consequences of his choices become central to the narrative, the audience grows more and more concerned that all will end in disaster. They are right; Proctor dies for his beliefs, but the mood at the end of the play is strangely triumphant. The audience experiences a mixture of pride and grief for John as he decides not to sign his final confession. Although everyone around him is shocked by this turn of events, his wife’s sense of pride in his choice guides Miller’s audience to be glad Proctor has “found his goodness.”