The Crucible Quotes Analysis

Quote Analysis: Miller tells us that Reverend Parris, “like the rest of Salem, never conceived that the children were anything but thankful for being permitted to walk straight, eyes slightly lowered, arms at the sides, and mouths shut until bidden to speak.” Children in Salem were expected to be happy and content with the strict theocratic society they live in. When Abigail and the other girls were found disobeying puritan laws and dancing naked in the forest, it was outrageous and unbelievable that they would rebel against the laws.
Subtext: Abigail threatens that she “will come to you in the black of some terrible night” and “will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.” She claims that she has “seen some reddish work done at night,

What place,” Proctor replies “in the proper place where my beasts are bedded.” Proctor confesses to Danforth that he and Abigail committed adultery and had sex in a barn. He justifies his what he describes beastly behavior by admitting the place where they had sex was a barn, where animals are kept. He admits their actions were animalistic and describes he and Abigail as beasts.
Theme - Justice: As Proctor is being led out of the court, he shouts that he can “hear the boot of Lucifer” and see his “filthy face.” He says that it is his “face, and yours, Danforth.” He tells the court that “we will burn, we will burn together.” His religious references are used to prove his point that the court is corrupt. He accuses the court that they are not enforcing justice but instead are doing the work of the devil. Proctor accuses the him and the whole court of being guilty of doing the wrong thing.
Literary Techniques - Irony: Elizabeth believes that lying is bad and will not be beneficial. However, she continues to lie about her husband’s affair even after Proctor confessed without her knowing. She then continues to lie and is dishonest about why she fired Abigail. Instead of telling Danforth that Abigail was fired because she was having relations with Proctor, she opts to tell Danforth that Abigail dissatisfied