Read the passage from The Crucible, Act 3, Part 1.



Through the partitioning wall at the right we hear a prosecutor’s voice, Judge Hathorne’s asking a question; then a woman’s voice, Martha Corey’s, replying.


HATHORNE’S VOICE: Now, Martha Corey, there is abundant evidence in our hands to show that you have given yourself to the reading of fortunes. Do you deny it?

MARTHA COREY’S VOICE: I am innocent to a witch. I know not what a witch is.

HATHORNE’S VOICE: How do you know, then, that you are not a witch?

MARTHA COREY’S VOICE: If I were, I would know it.

HATHORNE’S VOICE: Why do you hurt these children?

MARTHA COREY’S VOICE: I do not hurt them. I scorn it!



What is the impact of the author’s choice to begin the scene offstage, out of the audience’s sight?