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 page 100, he says to the court,” … I hope you forgive me. I have been thirty-two year at the bar, sir, and I should be confounded were I called upon to defend these people. Let you consider, now. And I bid you all do likewise.
In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witnesses to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is ipso facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself; granted? Therefore, we must rely upon her victims-and they do testify, the children certainly do testify.
The Term Paper on Middle Ages Witchcraft Witches People
'Europeanwitchcraft was a unique phenomenon which differed from European high magic from the low magic or simple sorcery' (Russel 658). 'High magic and simple sorcery differ however in methods and motivation' (658). High magic was astrology and alchemy (658). Sorcerers are usually people that are motivated by strong feelings of jealously, revenge, malice which are experienced by everyone (Marwich ...
As for the witches, none will deny that we are most eager for all their confessions. Therefore what is left for a lawyer to bring out? I think I have made my point. Have I not?” This passage clearly shows Danforth using his oratory skills. His logic is that if someone commits a crime, they usually wont accuse themselves, therefore the witnesses and victims of this crime are the only way to prove the person innocent or guilty. In Danforth’s view, if there are victims and witnesses, then there must have been a crime committed. His speech logically makes sense and often his words sway the opinions of people who are not completely strong on their own opinion.
When Danforth questions Mary Warren, he uses his powerful force to try to get her to say anything along the lines that the witches here are not a lie. He realizes that if it is true that the girls have been pretending the whole time, it will mean that he has been duped and so has his entire court. On page 101, Danforth says to Mary Warren, .”.. Do you know that god damns all liars? She cannot speak.
Or is it now that you lie.” He is suggesting that because she did not answer him right away that she is a liar, and that she will be damned my God. As a young girl, Mary Warren most likely is scared by this, and is now more likely to say what Danforth wants, because in some way he has shown her that God will punish her for lying either about the witches or about lying about the witches. The majority of people in this small town have a strong belief in God and their religion. Danforth plays with this information and uses it to effectively persuade his audience. He is much respected and holds a powerful position.
Danforth considers the amount of people that he has condemned as a reason for his power. He is right, people believe him, because they think that he has been right in the past. He has obviously always been a great speaker, talented with rhetoric and public speaking characteristics.
