Examples Of Fallacy In The Crucible

Arthur Miller utilizes the red herring logical fallacy through Reverend Parris' talk with Abigail, convincing her to “tell [him] true,” when he writes, “I have given you a home, child. I have put clothes upon your back – now give me upright answer” (Miller 11-12). Reverend Parris attempts to guilt Abigail into revealing her actions and whereabouts the previous night by the introduction of irrelevant information that shows his kindness towards her, like many people do today, as a method of persuasion. The keeping of secrets from others characterizes many events in Act 1, and Abigail's denial of ritualistic actions to Parris adds to the hidden information kept by the characters. Parris' address to Abigail helps develop the theme that people will do anything they can to conceal their sins, because even after the constant pushing and tormenting by Parris, Abigail continues to claim that she does not take part in activities related to witchcraft. Similarly, people lie and …show more content…
Putnam's observations of Ruth: “...she never waked this morning, but her eyes open and she walks, and hears naught, sees naught, and cannot eat. Her soul is taken, surely” (Miller 13). Mrs. Putnam, overtaken by the anxiety of Ruth's sickness, has fear of the worst for her daughter, like many families with sick members, and automatically assumes the truth of her dreaded fear. The shocking assumptions of the common folk's death by witchcraft characterizes much of Act One, with a fearful mood when describing the unconscious. Ruth's description, of her sleep, her eyes, and her unresponsive behavior, adds to the citizens' suspicion and fear of witchcraft. Mrs. Putnam's expectations for Ruth develop the theme that people dread the worst for those that they care about. Similarly to Mrs. Putnam's emotions, people fear what may happen to a sick family member. People may assume the death of their loved ones because they dread losing