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Hyperbole
Definition of Idiom
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the words in the phrase. For... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on a literal interpretation of the... read full definition
An idiom is a phrase that conveys a figurative meaning that is difficult or impossible to understand based solely on... read full definition
Act 1
Explanation and Analysis—Blackening Names:
As she and Proctor fight about resuming their affair, Abigail uses an idiom to claim vehemently that Elizabeth is tarnishing her reputation in the village:
She is blackening my name in the village! She is telling lies about me! She is a cold, sniveling woman, and you bend to her! Let her turn you like a—
The idiom "blackening my name" means to deliberately spread rumors or lies about a person in order to destroy their reputation in public. Right at the beginning of the play Abigail’s uncle asks her if there are any rumors about her, and she flatly states that there is no “blush” around her name. Abigail suspects that people know she was sleeping with Proctor and that Elizabeth has been damaging her reputation.
It’s notable here that in the theocracy of the Puritan colonies, “lechery” and “adultery” (sex outside of marriage) were serious criminal offenses. In accusing Elizabeth of “blackening” her name, Abigail suggests that Elizabeth is intentionally attacking her character. Even though Elizabeth would never stain her husband’s reputation by spreading this rumor, Abigail is convinced that she is aiming to ruin her standing within the community
In the context of Salem’s Puritan values, it’s also important to remember that for young women like Abigail, such an accusation would have been particularly damaging. Virginity and moral purity were prized above any other qualities, and any stain on a woman's reputation could have severe social consequences. By accusing Elizabeth of "blackening her name," Abigail portrays herself as a victim of malicious slander with potentially serious consequences. She also points out that Proctor himself could receive legal consequences for their affair.
Related Themes:
Act 2
Explanation and Analysis—Freeze Beer:
Proctor uses an idiom and hyperbole to spitefully express his frustration with his chilly but well-meaning wife, Elizabeth. As she tells him that he’s only feeling guilty for his affair because he’s judging himself, he snaps:
PROCTOR: Oh, Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!
The hyperbole in the idiom "your justice would freeze beer" refers to the idea that Elizabeth’s chilliness of manner is cold enough to actually turn liquid into ice. John finds her to be cold and unyielding to him, as he can see she doesn’t forgive him for having sex with Abigail Williams even after he confesses. By equating her sense of justice with something cold enough to “freeze beer,” Proctor is implying that she’s unnaturally cold to him. This idiom is particularly striking because of the difference between 17th-century and contemporary beer. Because water was often unsafe to drink, people commonly made and drank alcoholic beverages instead. However, there wasn't necessarily a good standardized way to regulate the alcohol content of these substances, so homebrews in that era could vary wildly in potency. Liquid with higher alcohol content freezes at a lower temperature than water. According to Proctor, Elizabeth is so frigid and rigid in her manner that her “justice” could make ice out of alcohol.
Related Themes:
