Theme Of Understatement In The Crucible

In the play, the Crucible by Arthur Miller takes an inner look at the HUAC act, where they put people on tedious trials because they allegedly had ties to communism or they practiced communism. It explores all of the lying and accusing people were doing to each other. In the play, they use the Salem witch trials as an example. The play uses the accusations of witchery and the tedious trials and hangings of people for these accusations. The author clearly uses irony, characterization, and understatement to point out the wrongdoings during this time. Clearly, Miller uses irony helps to convey his meaning clearly. Miller writes “The witch-hunt was a perverse manifestation of the panic which set in among all classes when the balance began

Miller writes, “Parris; Now look you, child, your punishment will come in its time. But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it.”(67). This shows understatement because he is supposed to be figuring out what they were doing in the forest and if it is linked to witchery, but he is more worried about his reputation. Miller writes, Danforth: And how do you imagine to help her cause with such contemptuous riot? Now be gone. Your old age alone keeps you out of jail for this. (85). Miller writes, Danforth: And how do you imagine to help her cause with such contemptuous riot? Now be gone. Your old age alone keeps you out of jail for this. (85). This shows understatement because they are trying to take attention off the fact that they were trying to put him in jail for a riot that never happened they just think he was planning and focus more on the fact that he is too old for jail. Miller writes, “Parris: Now Mr. Hale’s returned, there is hope, I think - for if he brings even one of these to God, that confession surely damns the others in the public eye, and none may doubt more that they are all linked to Hell. This way, unconfessed and claiming innocence, doubts are multiplied, many honest people will weep for them, and our good purpose is lost in their tears”.(128). This clearly shows understatement because they act like it is no