The Crucible Rhetorical Analysis

Prevailing Purposes in “The Crucible” Playwright and essayist, Arthur Miller, in his play, “The Crucible”, utilizes pathos, symbolism, and irony to convey his purpose of how the events of the Salem Witch Trials had detrimental effects on the society and how far the elites went to protect their reputation . Miller’s reasoning is to expand Parris’ and Danforth purpose for their side of the argument during the witch trials. He adapts a contrasting tone in order to appeal to similar feelings with reasoning in his american readers. Millers’ prevailing strategy is pathos by appealing to the sympathetic side of the reader's emotions. Parris believes, “Now, Mr. Hale’s returned, there is hope” (pg 232). He is trying his best to save the people in his community. Danforth adds to this by calling Parris, “...a brainless man!” (pg 232). Anything Parris said, he denied. The reader can sympathize for this character because he is trying so hard to do the right thing, but

“You misunderstood, sir…. It is not just” (Miller 233). This conveys dramatic irony because Danforth is trying to keep the system just, when in reality, the entire system is unjust. He has chosen to give justice to those who have already died than to those who are still living. “It is a providence. Reverend Hale has returned…” (Miller 231). This situational irony draws the reader’s attention to the unexpected situation. Parris and Hale, up to this point, were against each other because Parris felt challenged. Parris agreed with the accusers on finding anyone possibly related to witches. Hale was in search of the truth, no matter what outcome occured. Now they are both trying to achieve the same thing, postponement for justice. The juxtaposition of the motives of the characters adds to the contrasts tone. The irony and changes in the story causes chaos in the