Analyzing the craft & structure of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible Diction & Imagery Analyzing the craft & structure of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible

Diction

Denotation/Connotation Diction Denotation/Connotation What 3 loaded words are used in reference to Abigail’s reputation? Blush Soiled Black Why do these words contain a negative connotation? All of these words suggest a lost or fallen reputation.

Why does Arthur Miller have Proctor use the word “mischief”, which has positive connotation”? Proctor is lessening the seriousness of the situation and lightening the mood. Mischief sounds playful. It implies child’s play instead of the demonic arts. Reveals Proctor’s attitude.

Does “unnatural causes” contain positive or negative connotation Does “unnatural causes” contain positive or negative connotation? Negative Why? It refers to evil, Satan, and witchcraft.

Why does Arthur Miller craft Mary Warren’s lines with slang Why does Arthur Miller craft Mary Warren’s lines with slang? What does it suggest about the status of her character? The use of slang establishes Mary Warren’s socio-economic status. She is uneducated and lower class.

Abigail says, “Now look you. All of you. We danced Abigail says, “Now look you. All of you. We danced. And Tituba conjured Ruth Putnam’s dead sisters. When the verb/predicate is before the subject, what is this called? Inversion or Inverted Syntax Old fashioned

Old fashioned Text uses words, expressions, and structural arrangements that are archaic (out of fashion, not modern, no longer used) Ex: “No, no, sir, I don’t truck with no Devil” What does “truck” mean based on its usage? Deal with Associate with go with join with Other Examples: “Cannot blink it” “I will not black my face” “Why, how does Ruth ail” “Shut it.” Now shut it” “She put me out” Goody

Sound of Diction 3 examples where Arthur Miller crafts the characters words to sound cacophonous: “It’s death driven into them, forked and hoofed.” “It’s a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman.” “Oh, we’ll be whipped!” “I like not the smell of this ‘authority.’” “Corey, I’ll clap a writ on you” “I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osborn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil.”

Imagery

“I know you clutched my back behind your house and sweated like a stallion whenever I come near.” What literary device is Abigail using to create a vivid picture? simile

“I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again “I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again.” This is an example of… hyperbole

Abigail tries to rekindle her relationship with John Abigail tries to rekindle her relationship with John. During the exchange of words between these two previous lovers, the words “going up to Jesus” are heard being sung by the Puritans praying in another room. This moment would be considered situational irony. Why? Abby and John, the adulterers, are discussing their illicit sinful love affair as the pious and devout church parishoners are singing and praying to save the soul of Betty Parris. This is not what one would expect.

“A child’s spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back.” Why does Rebecca Nurse use this simile to describe the children’s behavior? What is her meaning? Children are spirited and mischievous. The comparison of a child’s spirit to the nature of a child provides an analogy that applies logic and reason to an overly dramatic situation. Children will be children.

“This society will not be a bag to swing around your head “This society will not be a bag to swing around your head.” Interpret this metaphor Putnam cannot use/manipulate the church and the people of the town for his own personal gain and agenda and to wield power.

“[Hale], sitting down his books: They must be; they are weighted with authority.” This is called a pun or a play on words. What are the multiple meanings of this pun? The books are literally heavy physically The knowledge within the books are weighty, important

Mr. Hale calls Tituba “God’s instrument Mr. Hale calls Tituba “God’s instrument.” What literary device is being used here? Metaphor Why is she God’s instrument? Tituba is the holy tool/method through which the evil plot of witchcraft will be revealed.

Name that Sense

“If she is truly in the Devil’s grip we may have to rip and tear to get her free.” touch

“They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house “They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house.” sound

“Indians smashed my dear parents’ heads on the pillow next to mine, and I have seen some reddish work done at night, and I can make you wish you had never seen the sun go down!” Sight Sound Smell

“The road from Beverly is unusually busy this morning, and he has passed a hundred rumors that make him smile at the ignorance of the yeomanry in this most precise science.” Sight Sound