The Crucible Rhetorical Analysis
Brian Perez
September 30, 2011
Period: 5
AP Language and Composition Mr. Botton Power of Control Men of high stature and prestige with intimidating power have always been in control of many aspects in a society. Deputy Danforth and Reverend Hale were considered to be “godly” men with power and control who followed the scriptures of their God. While attempting to be an example of a holy Christian, they became corrupt in their actions and went against biblical law to enhance their own lives. Deputy Danforth and Reverend Hale begin their oppositions towards one another when Reverend Hale experiences an epiphany of his actions, and Danforth remains condemning innocent people. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller uses rhetoric strategies …show more content…
Danforth denies any wrong in his faults and continues to blame others through his blind obstinacy. Danforth’s obstinacy is demonstrated by way of irony when he states, “I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. […] Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part” (Miller 1324). Ironically, Danforth’s view of postponement and judgment goes against biblical law of “… judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). While Danforth believes that postponement shows weakness in his part and whoever cries for those who are hanged cry for corruption, ironically postponement shows forgiveness and mercy, an important Christian principle that Danforth lacks throughout the play. Deputy Danforth and Reverend Hale had the same objective – to get rid of the witches in Salem and all extensions of the Devil associated in the town. However, unlike Danforth, Reverend Hale acknowledges his crimes against humanity and experiences an epiphany that changes his perspective of the Salem Witch …show more content…
However, as the trials advance and innocent people are hanged, Hale realizes his atrocious crimes against humanity and experiences an epiphany that leaves him a feeling of guilt as he exclaims to Danforth: “There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!” (Miller 1325). Miller’s use of this metaphor symbolizes the guilt Hale has for all of the death warrants that he has signed to innocent people. Hale is changed by his epiphany and vows to take no more innocent lives: “I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not to take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it” (Miller 1301). Miller’s use of Logos portrays Hale logically coming to a conclusion that the Salem Witch Trials were pointless and that innocent people had died and were going to die due to the trials. Hale’s epiphany of the condemnation within the Salem Witch Trials contradicts the arrogant and narcissistic attributes of Deputy
September 30, 2011
Period: 5
AP Language and Composition Mr. Botton Power of Control Men of high stature and prestige with intimidating power have always been in control of many aspects in a society. Deputy Danforth and Reverend Hale were considered to be “godly” men with power and control who followed the scriptures of their God. While attempting to be an example of a holy Christian, they became corrupt in their actions and went against biblical law to enhance their own lives. Deputy Danforth and Reverend Hale begin their oppositions towards one another when Reverend Hale experiences an epiphany of his actions, and Danforth remains condemning innocent people. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller uses rhetoric strategies …show more content…
Danforth denies any wrong in his faults and continues to blame others through his blind obstinacy. Danforth’s obstinacy is demonstrated by way of irony when he states, “I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. […] Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part” (Miller 1324). Ironically, Danforth’s view of postponement and judgment goes against biblical law of “… judge not, and you will not be judged; condemn not, and you will not be condemned; forgive, and you will be forgiven” (Luke 6:37). While Danforth believes that postponement shows weakness in his part and whoever cries for those who are hanged cry for corruption, ironically postponement shows forgiveness and mercy, an important Christian principle that Danforth lacks throughout the play. Deputy Danforth and Reverend Hale had the same objective – to get rid of the witches in Salem and all extensions of the Devil associated in the town. However, unlike Danforth, Reverend Hale acknowledges his crimes against humanity and experiences an epiphany that changes his perspective of the Salem Witch …show more content…
However, as the trials advance and innocent people are hanged, Hale realizes his atrocious crimes against humanity and experiences an epiphany that leaves him a feeling of guilt as he exclaims to Danforth: “There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my head!!” (Miller 1325). Miller’s use of this metaphor symbolizes the guilt Hale has for all of the death warrants that he has signed to innocent people. Hale is changed by his epiphany and vows to take no more innocent lives: “I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not to take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it” (Miller 1301). Miller’s use of Logos portrays Hale logically coming to a conclusion that the Salem Witch Trials were pointless and that innocent people had died and were going to die due to the trials. Hale’s epiphany of the condemnation within the Salem Witch Trials contradicts the arrogant and narcissistic attributes of Deputy