Chaos and Stability in The Crucible

© Media Watch 10 (2) 398-403, 2019

ISSN 0976-0911 e-ISSN 2249-8818

DOI: 10.15655/mw/2019/v10i2/49637

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Chaos and Stability in The Crucible 

Tim Matheny, Philip Poe, Melody Fisher, & Mark Goodman

Mississippi State University, USA

Abstract

The script of The Crucible is built on a structure of binary oppositions, particularly good vs. evil and stability vs. chaos. Revealing the structure deconstructs the binary oppositions and explains how the play challenges audiences to reconsider what they understand about good and evil in their contemporary times.

Keywords: Binary oppositions, The Crucible, good vs. evil

References

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Tim Matheny is an Assistant Professor of Communication and Director of Theater at Mississippi State University, USA. He serves as a director for Carey Dinner Theatre and is president of the Mississippi Theatre Association. As an actor, Tim played George in the world premiere of August Wilson’s play The Homecoming. He has enjoyed performing and teachings in such countries as Kenya, Slovakia, and Russia.

Philip Poe (Ph.D., Texas Tech University, 2012) is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Mississippi State University. Dr. Poe researches content analysis and media effects.

Mark Goodman (Ph.D., University of Missouri, 1993) is Professor Emeritus of Communication at Mississippi State University. He has published several articles that deconstruct ideology and binary oppositions in mediated texts.

Melody Fisher (Ph.D., University of Southern Mississippi, 2012) is an Assistant Professor of Communication at Mississippi State University. Dr. Melody specializes in social movement theory.