Final answer:
In 'The Crucible,' casual phrases help establish the setting, convey character relationships, and build tension, giving the play authenticity and depth, while also mirroring the historical context of the Salem Witch Trials and Cold War hysteria.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, the use of casual phrases by characters serves specific purposes such as establishing the setting, conveying character relationships, and building tension. Using dialogue, similar to Mark Twain's technique, helps to create a sense of authenticity and allows audiences to experience the characters' dynamics in a more realistic manner. The casual phrases can also help set the tone for the period the play is set in, deepening the audience's immersion into the story's historical context. Furthermore, through dialogue and the unfolding of events, the theme and conflict within the narrative are shaped, underscoring the play's parallels to the hysteria of the McCarthy era, which mirrors the Salem Witch Trials depicted in the play.
When performing a close reading of a literary piece like The Crucible, readers identify tensions or ambiguities that the text presents, focusing on how these aspects of the composition contribute to the overarching theme or message. In doing so, readers can understand how character development, setting, plot, and point of view enhance the tension and conflict within the narrative. The subtle use of language, including casual phrases, can reveal deeper insights into characters' psyches and relationships, contributing to the dramatic tension that culminates in the suspenseful resolution of the play's conflicts.