The Crucible Syntax Analysis

The Crucible, a historical fiction play written by Arthur Miller, focusses on the horrific Salem Witch Trials that ran rampage in 1692. The disastrous events which took place shattered the Puritan society, and destroyed many of the religious values that the Puritans hold so dear. Even though this play was written in 1953, Arthur Miller includes many stylistic devices to give the play an authentic feel. Miller uses a plethora of these devices in order to make readers feel as if they are actually in the 1690s, however, the most prominent devices are syntax and diction, and biblical allusions. The syntax and diction that Arthur Miller uses in The Crucible tricks readers into thinking that they are actually reading a piece from the 1600s. In the …show more content…
In my excerpt I wrote about Abigail, the ringleader of the witch trials and niece of Reverend Parris, returning to the Parris household after she ran away for the first time. In my epilogue I encompassed Puritan syntax to mimic their way of speech, and a plethora of diction to show the difference in class between individuals in my scene. During my scene when Reverend Parris is trying to convince Tituba to return to her room, Reverend Parris states, “Aye all is well Tituba, let you return to bed” (O’Donnell 2). Just as Miller did, I rearranged the sentence structure to mimic the puritan style of speech. By doing this I was able to make it seem like my characters were actually from the Puritan time. While writing my scene I also wanted to show the class division between the characters like Miller had, so I made Tituba sound uneducated by making her remark, “Abby you put Tituba in jail, you accused me of compacting with the devil, Tituba be no succubus, and she is a good Christian woman. Mister Parris give me a second chance, Tituba will not ruin this one with your silly games” (O’Donnell 2). Because Tituba is a servant and did not receive any schooling, I made her sound very uneducated just as Miller did in his play. By making Tituba speak in third person, and giving her a very choppy style of speech, I was able to reflect Miller’s portrayal of Tituba and give her the unschooled personality that she has in The Crucible. As well as syntax and diction I also included biblical allusions in my epilogue to reflect the lifestyle of the Puritan people. In my scene when Abigail returns home she must explain to Parris reasons for why she should be allowed to stay the night. During this event I included a biblical reference when Abigail exclaims, “I have changed my ways, and the devil’s spirits cannot touch me anymore” (O’Donnell 1). In The