The Crucible Reverend Hale Essay

509 Words2 Pages

Arthur Miller’s play, “The Crucible,” illustrates the global concept of fairness and development in an exploration of a society deprived of justice, exemplifying Salem's theocracy and highlighting how blatant belief in religion and authority leads to disastrous consequences. This IO analyses Miller’s characterisation of Reverend Hale, who at the start symbolises religious belief and hypocrisy but goes through a moral dilemma, emphasising the cataclysm of Salem with one of the most hypocritical characters seeking justice. Throughout The Crucible, Truth, Justice, Power and Religion are explored with Hale’s character development and are highlighted by characterisation, persuasive techniques, metaphor, religious allusion and dramatic irony. Hale’s initial characterisation is defined as being the force of the witch trials, eager for testimony and confession. This is established in Hale's dialogue with the persuasive technique of flattery and religious allusion, where Hale flatters Tituba for information, referring to her as "God's instrument put in our hands to discover the Devil's agents among us'.” His flattering of Tituba into testifying and exploitation of her religious beliefs, however misguided, is done through a want for justice, Miller developing an overzealous and naive character.

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