The Crucible Act 1 Say Mean Matter Chart
Introduction
The Crucible is a play written by American playwright Arthur Miller in 1953. It is a dramatized and partially fictionalized story of the Salem witch trials that took place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during 1692-93. The play is widely considered to be a metaphor for the McCarthyism of the 1950s, which was a period of intense anti-communist suspicion and persecution in the United States.
Say Mean Matter Chart
The Say Mean Matter chart is a tool used to analyze the language used by characters in a play or any other work of literature. In Act 1 of The Crucible, there are several instances where characters use language that can be analyzed using the Say Mean Matter chart. This chart helps to identify what a character says, what it means, and why it matters to the story.
Say
In Act 1 of The Crucible, the character of Reverend Parris says, "I cannot go before the congregation when I know you have not opened with me." This statement indicates that Parris is concerned about his reputation and how he appears to others. He is worried that people will think less of him if they find out that his daughter and niece were caught dancing in the forest.
Another example of Say in Act 1 is when Abigail Williams says, "I want to open myself!...I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him, I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand." Abigail says this to Reverend Parris and other characters in an attempt to deflect blame from herself and onto others. She claims to have seen the Devil and to have written in his book, which she knows will shock and scare the other characters.
Mean
The Mean aspect of the Say Mean Matter chart refers to what a character's words actually mean, beyond their literal or surface-level meaning. In Act 1 of The Crucible, John Proctor's words to Abigail Williams are a good example of this. He says, "Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again." On the surface, this statement seems like a rejection of Abigail's advances. However, when analyzed deeper, it reveals that Proctor has had an affair with Abigail in the past and is now trying to distance himself from her to protect his reputation and his marriage.
Another example of Mean in Act 1 is when Reverend Parris says, "There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit." This statement shows that Parris is paranoid and feels threatened by some of the members of his congregation. He is worried that they will try to remove him from his position as a minister.
Matter
The Matter aspect of the Say Mean Matter chart refers to why a character's words are important to the story or to the other characters. In Act 1 of The Crucible, the Matter of Reverend Hale's words is evident. He says, "We cannot look to superstition in this. The Devil is precise; the marks of his presence are definite as stone." This statement is important because it shows that Hale is an expert on witchcraft and is being brought in to investigate the accusations of witchcraft in Salem. His words indicate that he will be impartial and scientific in his approach to the investigation.
Another example of Matter in Act 1 is when Tituba says, "I don't desire to work for him, sir." This statement is important because it reveals that Tituba is afraid of Reverend Parris and is willing to do whatever it takes to avoid being punished by him. It also sets the stage for the accusations of witchcraft that will follow.
Conclusion
The Say Mean Matter chart is a useful tool for analyzing the language used by characters in a work of literature. In Act 1 of The Crucible, there are several instances where characters' words can be analyzed using this chart. By understanding what a character says, what it means, and why it matters to the story, readers can gain a deeper understanding of the characters and the themes of the play.