the crucible literary devices

Allegory

"The Crucible" serves as an allegory for the McCarthy era and the Red Scare, using the Salem witch trials to comment on the political and social climate of the 1950s.

Irony

Instances of irony in the play include the court becoming a tool for persecution, and accusations of witchcraft being used for personal vendettas rather than truth.

Metaphor

The title "The Crucible" symbolizes a severe test or trial, reflecting the intense atmosphere of suspicion and hysteria in Salem.

Allusion

The play contains historical and biblical allusions connecting events to religious beliefs, highlighting characters' hypocrisy and fanaticism.

Foreshadowing

Miller uses foreshadowing to create anticipation, with early dialogue and ominous occurrences hinting at future events in the play.

Dramatic Irony

Audience knowledge surpassing that of characters creates dramatic irony, such as knowing the girls are pretending when accusing others of witchcraft.

Symbolism

Various symbols in the play represent abstract ideas, like the witch trials symbolizing mass hysteria's destructive power and unchecked authority's dangers.

Repetition

Phrases like "I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!" are repeated for emphasis, highlighting the spread of hysteria and power of suggestion.

Satire

Miller employs satire to criticize the hypocrisy and irrationality of the Salem community and the McCarthy era through characterizations and exaggerated dialogue.