Allusions In The Crucible

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Definition: Allusion: an indirect reference to something which is presumably commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.
Example: Arthur Miller creates an allusion when he writes “Abigail brings the other girls into court, and where she walks the crowd will part like the sea for Israel”.
Function: Miller’s use of allusion reveals the idea that the colonists believe that Abigail has been sent from God. Words such as “saint” and “the crowd will part” create an adoring tone, which reveals how the colonists will willingly believe Abigail’s statements due to the false sense of power she has received from them. The allusion further serves to emphasize that the colonists believe that Abigail will lead the colonists