The Crucible Soundtrack

In order for a play to be fully enjoyed, it must be performed in front of an audience. In class we had the opportunity to watch the movie adaptation of The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, and that allowed us to fully appreciate his work of literary genius. The actors brought The Crucible to life on the screen, and we could watch their body language as they acted, along with the tone of their voices, the setting of the play, but a crucial component was the soundtrack.

When I was watching the movie, I noticed how the soundtrack played a very important role in telling the story of The Crucible and helping enhance scenes. For example, Abigail says "'Oh Mary, this is a black art to change your shape. No, I cannot stop my mouth; it's God's work I do'" (Miller 191) when she is testifying against Abigail in the courthouse. The music in this scene is high pitched, fast, and intense, in order to intensify the fast paced action that is happening. Without the music, that scene wouldn't be as intense, as there would just be the girls pretending to see Mary Warren as a crow attacking them.

Some other examples where the music is prevalent to the movie include when Elizabeth and John Proctor embrace each other after three months of imprisonment and separation. The music is slow and sad, with a sense of finality as they realize their relationship is nearing an end. Another example is when Elizabeth arrives at the courthouse and when she is questioned about John's relationship with Abigail. The music includes tremolos played by flutes, and also crescendos by string instruments playing a prolonged chord progression. Overall, the movie would have had much less of an artistic impact without its soundtrack. 

Here is a sad tune that I think would be effective in the last scene where John Proctor, Martha Corey, and Rebecca Nurse are hanged.