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The Use Of Irony In Arthur Miller's The Crucible

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Daniel Han Tsuji AP Lit Period 5 March 6, 2015 Word Count: 300 The Crucible Micro-essay: Prompt #2 Prompt#2: Carefully read the passage from Act III in which Danforth explains his purpose, power, and education to Francis Nurse (page 94: “DANFORTH: No, old man, you have not hurt these people…I hope you will be one of those”). Then write a well-organized essay in which you explain the dramatic and verbal irony used. Through the use of Danforth’s criticism towards Francis and his portrayal of society, Arthur Miller conveys the corruption within the government by suggesting the hypocritical and the ironic aspects of the court. Danforth says, “No, old man, you have not hurt these people if they are of good conscience” (86). This portrayal of people is dramatic irony since they have been abused by the corruption …show more content…

Rather than looking at corruption of his own, Danforth blames upon people by taking advantage of the witch trial. During the trial, Danforth proclaims, “This is a sharp time, now, a precise time-we live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled the world” (86). Danforth’s description of the town of Salem contains situational irony. Rather than judging based on the religion, Danforth uses his judgment to decide between “good” and “evil” based on his preference. Danforth is the manipulator who exercises his power towards residents in order to gain support and stability within the court. Finally, Danforth declares “The shining sun is up, and them that fear not light will surely praise it. I hope you will be one of those” (86). Although Danforth has sins towards God through abusing his power towards people, he encourages turning back to God. Danforth’s demand towards the townspeople reveals verbal

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