Allegory: "The Crucible" is often interpreted as an allegory for the McCarthy era and the Red Scare in the United States during the 1950s. It uses the events of the Salem witch trials to comment on the political and social climate of the time.

Irony: There are several instances of irony in the play. For example, the court, which is meant to administer justice, becomes a tool for persecution and injustice. Also, the accusation of witchcraft is used as a means of settling personal vendettas rather than a genuine concern for the truth.

Metaphor: Miller uses metaphorical language to convey deeper meanings. For instance, the title "The Crucible" itself refers to a severe test or trial, reflecting the intense and heated atmosphere of suspicion and hysteria in Salem.

Allusion: The play contains historical and biblical allusions. The references to the Bible and Puritanism connect the events in Salem to religious beliefs and highlight the characters' hypocrisy and fanaticism.

Foreshadowing: Miller employs foreshadowing to create anticipation and tension. The early dialogue about witchcraft and the ominous occurrences in the forest foreshadow the events that unfold later in the play.

Dramatic Irony: The audience possesses knowledge that the characters lack, creating a sense of dramatic irony. For example, the audience knows that the girls are pretending when they accuse others of witchcraft, while the characters remain unaware of their deceit.

Symbolism: Various symbols are used in the play to represent abstract ideas. The witch trials themselves symbolize the destructive power of mass hysteria and the dangers of unchecked authority. The poppet, a doll used as evidence, symbolizes how innocent objects can be manipulated to incriminate others.

Repetition: Certain phrases and ideas are repeated throughout the play for emphasis. The repetition of the phrase "I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!" by multiple characters highlights the spread of hysteria and the power of suggestion.

Satire: Miller employs satire to criticize the hypocrisy and irrationality of the Salem community and the McCarthy era. The characterizations and exaggerated dialogue serve as a critique of the social and political climate of the time.