The Crucible Act 2 Scene 2 Analysis

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Before the reading version could be published, Arthur Miller promptly removed Act 2 Scene 2 from his The Crucible. He never gave any reason as to why and many have speculated over the years since its release. The scene is set in the woods at nighttime, with John Proctor and Abigail Williams. It is Proctor’s last plea to Abigail before he tries to speak against …show more content…
However not only does the scene add no importance but it only helps to provide weak character development. The scene begins with Abigail flirting with Proctor, “I knew it must be you. When I heard pebbles on the window, before I opened up my eyes I knew” (Miller, The Crucible p. 148). It is eerily familiar to their first encounter together towards the beginning of the play in Parris’ house. She mentions, “I have a sense for heat, John, and yours has drawn me to my window, and I have seen you looking up, burning in your loneliness” (Miller, The Crucible p. 23). The audience already knew the connection between the past couple and the window. Therefore the flirt in Act 2 Scene 2 merely is repetitive. The conversation moves on when Proctor mentions Abigail’s scandalous reputation in the village, “I hear only that you go to the tavern every night, and play shovelboard with the Deputy Governor, and they give you cider” (Miller, The Crucible p. 149). This gives the audience more context on Abigail but does not add to the storyline other than the fact, as we already knew she was not entirely pure. In Act 1 Scene 1, Parris questions, “Your name in the town-- it is entirely white, is it not?” (Miller, The Crucible p. 12). This reveals to the audience that there is suspicion that Abigail has tainted her reputation. The quote from Act 2 Scene 2