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Explore the use of vivid imagery, similes, and metaphors in Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, to enhance the sensory experience for the reader and create dramatic tension. Discover how fire, darkness, animalistic descriptions, and nature imagery contribute to the themes of deceit, hatred, and the struggle for truth.
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The Crucible Imagery
Imagery Miller uses imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. "sweated like a stallion" (p.29). Abigail describes the way in which Proctor enjoyed their affair. While also a simile, this gives the reader or audience an image which is animalistic and vivid.
Imagery Miller uses imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. "you know in all of your black hearts that this be fraud... we will burn together" (p.105). Here Proctor creates an image of fire and darkness. This reflects his view that the trials are deceitful and hateful.
Imagery Miller uses imagery to create a sensory experience for the reader. "he wakes me every night, his eyes were like coals" (p.104). Mary Warren says this to condemn Proctor, and save herself from Abigail's wrath. What impression of John Proctor does this give?
Imagery There is Devil/Hell Imagery, mostly realized in flames and fire: • 'A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face!' (Act Three) • 'You would not if tongs of fire were singeing you you would not! (Act Four) • 'There are wheels within wheels in this village, and fires within fires.' (Act One)
Imagery In fact, all forms of nature find their way into the imagery of the text: • 'I will fall like an ocean on that court!' (Act Two) • 'Show honor now and show a stony heart' (Act Four) • 'And the wind, God's icy wind, will blow' (Act Two)
Metaphor Miller relies heavily on metaphor in dialogue to create dramatic tension and imagery in the play. "the magistrate sits in your heart that judges you" (p.55). Elizabeth says this to Proctor to suggest that she does not judge him for his actions, but he is judging himself.
Metaphor "Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small!" (p.65). Reverend Hale uses this metaphor when talking to Proctor, to emphasise that it is important to be an active and committed member of the Christian religion.
Metaphor "we burn a hot fire here, it melts down all concealment" (p.81). Danforth uses this metaphor (which also explains the title of the play, as a crucible is a melting pot), to suggest that the court of Salem will uncover the truth. This is also ironic as they continue to condemn innocent people.