The Crucible, an Aristotelian Tragedy

Most literature can be classified under two categories: comedy and tragedy. Tragedy has made
its mark on stories from Biblical Adam and Eve, to the ancient myth of Pyramus and Thisbe, to
Shakespeare’s Hamlet. In modern times, Arthur Miller continues the tradition of tragedy as
literary form. The Crucible follows Aristotle’s definition of tragedy in its language,
characterization, plot development, and its dramatic effect on the audience.
The language of an Aristotelian tragedy should be “pleasurable and appropriate”( Perrine
1015). In the drama, Miller is able to flavor his work with early American language. One such
term is “aye”(Miller 9), which is the equivalent to the modern-day “yes.” Another term used by
Miller is “pray”(11), which is an interesting word for “please.” Lastly, Miller uses the term
“goody”(12) as a deferential title for “woman.” Though the play is set in colonial America, the
body of the play is still pleasurab...