The Crucible - Language Joe Thomas

Arthur Miller employs many different forms of language in The Crucible. The style of of the novella is very simple. Miller uses very simple sentences and sentence structures. The actual text is very to the point and he does not use anything unnecessary to show the plot. Miller cleverly uses this vocabulary and structure to foreshadow future events. For example; in the court scene in Act 3, John Proctor claims that his wife will not lie. However; later on in the Act she does lie and that causes the death of John Proctor. Miler does not regularly use imagery in the play but there is one memorable moment is the claim Abigail makes that John Proctor sweated like a stallion. While maintaining the simple structure Miller is able to create a vivid image in the readers mind. The language being simple juxtaposes the stage directions which are very complex and extensive which makes Millers intention clear and easy to understand. As characters become more hysterical the length of speeches increases. Also, the length of speeches and the phrasing of sentences conveys the class and employment of the character. For example; Danforth has long and complex speeches as do some of the other judges.

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