As we began a new Act, we discussed the purpose of the stage directions Miller uses, primarily to show the reader the emotions/mood of the characters and atmosphere of the settings. As an example, we discussed the sterile, spartan setting of the courtroom - a reflection of the society, attitudes, and mores in Salem, MA at the time. We discussed how the stage directions allow the play's readers to visualize what's going on and show how the characters are acting towards one another. Most recently, we discussed how the stage directions highlighted the tension between John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth. Ben predicted that the appendix he will read and Act III of the play will highlight the tensions between Proctor and Abigail since they're the only two characters in this deleted scene and have a volatile relationship - especially since his wife, Elizabeth, is now in jail due to Abigail's lies; she wants him for herself.