Connotation In The Crucible Analysis

In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, society lives in suppression from respected officials, who believe that they are justified under God. Sin is looked perceived as an unjustifiable offense with major repercussions, and in some cases, includes death. These actions demonstrate the unforgiving and stern nature of strict puritanism which is present throughout the novel. However, certain characters in the play are able to use sin to their own advantage. Miller employs the literary device of connotation to express feeling and emotion beyond the literal meaning of the text. He uses this connotation to demonstrate the hypocrisy of the strict puritan society’s interpretation and evaluation of sin. Miller uses the character Abigail Williams to demonstrate her Sin in threatening and negatively manipulating the villagers in the novel. In doing so, he shows Abigail 's ability to command and force, seen specifically in Act I when Abigail is seen threatening the other girls to keep quiet about what they had done the night before in the woods. While Abigail is alone with the other girls, Betty begins to speak about Abigail drinking blood, to which Abigail responds, “you never say that again! You will never--” (19). Miller’s choice of words for Abigail are deliberate and precise, focused for depicting Abigail to be cruel and evil. The word “never” signifies an absolute with negative emotion …show more content…
Miller uses each of these characters to demonstrate a flaw or characteristic of the Puritan society. The use of connotation allows for Miller to create unique atmospheres to help convey his message throughout his novel. The connotation present in the characters of Abigail, Danforth, and Parris through all holding negative significances and signifying manipulation or greed, which both are looked upon as sins in the Puritan