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How Does Barto Use Power In The Crucible

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It was the moment that shocked the world; when candidate Donald Trump won the American election. Trump played his cards well and therefore won the prize: the presidency. After the announcement, it was clear that Trump planned to seize his power and use it as soon as possible. However, Trump has already made many controversial choices since his inauguration, such as allowing the Dakota Access oil pipeline project, which has sparked numerous arguments. What if Trump abuses his political power? What if he follows in the footsteps of Abigail Williams, a base young woman from the Salem witch trials of 1692 who exploited her power to satisfy her own selfish whims? What is power is the source of all our problems? In Salem during the year 1692 …show more content…

Hytner successfully captures Miller's portrayal of power and status by depicting how individuals can become entirely consumed by their desire for obtaining and maintaining power and that are prepared to act immorally. This is achieved in Hytner’s film adaptation of The Crucible through the impressive characterization of Abigail Williams, Judge Danforth and Reverend Hale and implementation of cinematic techniques. These characters are effectively transformed using cinematic techniques including camera angles, shot types, lighting and …show more content…

Hale is “a tight-skinned, eager-eyed intellectual” (Act 1) whose radiating pride in his profession is apparent when he claims his books “are weighted with authority” (Act 1) upon arriving in Salem. His pride allows him to gain social status and influence in society. Hytner reveals this influence in an additional scene where Hale is interrogating the girls through an over the shoulder shot which conveys Hale’s power. His booming voice is laced with authority and his face contorts with irritation as he bellows, “Was there?” (Act 1). In the following scene, backlighting is utilized to create a halo effect around Hale’s figure symbolizing his good intentions whilst also contrasting with his corrupt actions. Although Hale holds power at the beginning of the play, it disintegrates after he becomes aware of the truth. He attempts to heal his tarnished soul by rescuing others yet finds he cannot help, rendering him a broken man. The development of Hale’s character parallels that of Salem society symbolizing how Salem crumbled after so many deaths due to the misuse of

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