In what ways does Miller's portrayal of Rebecca Nurse contribute to the dramatic impact of the play?

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (Oct/Nov 2020). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. [25] Candidates should be able to discuss the ways in which Rebecca Nurse's portrayal contributes to the dramatic impact of the play. Points to consider include: her high social standing and reputation for good works; her calm, sensible and pious demeanour in the midst of mounting hysteria; her refusal to confess even under extreme duress and her willingness to die for her beliefs, which makes her a martyr-like figure; the deep respect she commands from characters such as Hale and the general community; the effect of her condemnation and hanging on the other characters; her contrast with other characters (e.g. Abigail, Parris); her role as a symbol of goodness and integrity in the play and a victim of mass hysteria. Relevant stage directions (e.g. 'a good soul, a sensible woman, a loyal person') may also be explored.