Hi
I need some help on writing a monologue that displays and portrays the feelings, thoughts, motivations, attitudes, values, and beliefs of a character from Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible'. The syntax needs to be authentic, and the ideas portrayed in the monologue must keep relevant and on track with the way Arthur Miller portrays them. The monologue has to be 3-4 minutes, and use acting and props.
I have chosen John Proctor, and specifically the section after John and Elizabeth are taken away from their home, and arrested and thrown in jail. I have chosen to portray John's thoughts, feelings, and attitudes, beliefs and values on his decision while in jail for three months about his devotion to his wife Elizabeth, his faith and upholding of christianity, and his decision on whether to confess and live, or protest and die.
I have researched John's values and beliefs, but I am still struggling to bind all of the information up and create a speech. If someone can tell me how John thinks and feels, and his feelings and attitudes towards the above 3 situations, that would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks
Like any other man, John Proctor wants freedom. But he isn't like any other man because he was willing to sacrifice himself for justice.
He has a strong and determined personality, but in the 3 months he was in jail, he felt hopeless at times.
I would talk about this in the monologue:
- About how much he loves Elizabeth and wants to continue spending his life with her
- About how unjust the court and the Puritans are
- Mention the anger he feels towards Abigail and the other girls. Line you could use: "The court is raising up a WHORE!" (it was in the book in reference to Abigail)
- Debating whether to confess or die.
So, clearly there are a lot of things that could be going through John Proctor's mind.
As for the props, make him wear raggedy clothes since he was in jail. And make the voice sound weak.
That's all I can think of! I hope you do well! :)
