Climax (Act Three of The Crucible)

The accusations against prominent citizens of Salem really started to pile up in Act Two, culminating in the arrest of Elizabeth Proctor. Up to this point in the play, the settings have been secluded, taking place in the characters’ private homes: Act One in Reverend Parris's home and Act Two in the Proctors' home. In Act Three, the setting shifts to the site of all the action, the courtroom. Abigail Williams, Mary Warren, and all the other young girls wield their power by taking people's words out of context and twisting them to shape a conviction. As the play approaches the climax, you will see how irony and the continuing development of characters heighten the tension and impending injustice.

As you read Act Three of The Crucible, you will learn about the climax of the play and how irony and continuing character development drive the conflict to a dramatic finish.

Essential Questions

• What is the climax of a play?
  
• How does irony contribute to the conflict development of a play?