How does Miller use dramatic irony in "The Crucible"?

How does Miller use dramatic irony in "The Crucible"?

• A. The audience is unaware of the characters' motives
• B. The audience is aware of the truth, while characters are not
• C. The characters are aware of the consequences before the audience
• D. The truth is revealed equally to characters and audience

Answer: (B)

Miller's use of dramatic irony in "The Crucible" hinges on the audience's awareness of the truth regarding the witch trials, while the characters remain oblivious to it. This creates a powerful tension throughout the play, as the audience understands that the accusations of witchcraft are based on hysteria and deceit, yet many characters, driven by fear and self-preservation, believe in these false claims. This disparity between the audience's knowledge and the characters' ignorance intensifies the emotional impact of the unfolding events, heightening the sense of tragedy as characters make decisions based on flawed perceptions. The dramatic irony ultimately serves to illustrate the themes of hysteria, reputation, and the consequences of a society succumbing to fear.

Miller's use of dramatic irony in "The Crucible" hinges on the audience's awareness of the truth regarding the witch trials, while the characters remain oblivious to it. This creates a powerful tension throughout the play, as the audience understands that the accusations of witchcraft are based on hysteria and deceit, yet many characters, driven by fear and self-preservation, believe in these false claims. This disparity between the audience's knowledge and the characters' ignorance intensifies the emotional impact of the unfolding events, heightening the sense of tragedy as characters make decisions based on flawed perceptions. The dramatic irony ultimately serves to illustrate the themes of hysteria, reputation, and the consequences of a society succumbing to fear.