Rhetoric in The Crucible

Rhetoric is the art of using language effectively and persuasively. It is also called oratory, the art of public speaking. In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, several characters use rhetoric to convince other individuals to believe what is being told to them. One character, Deputy Governor Danforth who was a special judge that came to this town to help in the witchcraft trials that were brought about by a group of girls that were accusing people that they did not like.
Danforth was very dedicated to removing all witches, he was strong on his principles and would not allow anyone to tamper with his authority. Danforth has condemned many people to death because of his belief in witches. He puts words into the mouths of the people he is questioning, this is rhetoric; he uses his passion against witches to persuade others into saying what he wants them to. On ...