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The Crucible Situational Irony Analysis

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Miller uses irony to demonstrate the flaws, the corruption, within the court’s justice system. In this case, it’s emphasized when Giles is found guilty; even though, he did have evidence to prove his accusation. He states, “if Jacobs hangs for a witch he forfeits up his property that's law! And there is none but Putnam with the coin to buy so great a piece”( Miller 89). In addition, he has a witness that heard Putnam thanking his daughter after she cried out on Jacobs. With these reasonings and an eyewitness that proved his accusation, wouldn’t they give Jacobs a fair trial instead of hanging him with the only evidence being a child’s yelling “witch” on someone? Sadly, it’s a situational irony where the event that occurs is the completely opposite. …show more content…

Another occurrence of irony emphasizing the flaw within the court’s process of prosecution is when he states Mary Warren’s punishment and the girl’s punishment. He states that if Mary Warren “has been conquered by Satan...her neck will break for it but if she speaks true, I bid you now drop your guile and confess your pretense, for a quick confession will go easier on you”( Miller 95). A situational irony is an event that surprises the audience. This would be considered ironic since both crimes of Mary Warren and the girls are on the same level of severity and seriousness.However, Mary Warren is the only one being killed for her confession of her crimes, while the others live. This simple example shows Miller’s belief on the corruption within the court system as Danforth is allowing his favoritism control over his actions throughout Mary Warren’s trial. In addition, his fatal punishment on Mary Warren puts more pressure on her to lie, as her life is put on the stakes. Because of these ironic moments throughout the play, the audience are able to see Miller’s annoyance over the unfairness within the court’s

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