Question

John Proctor tells his wife Elizabeth that her “justice would freeze beer.” What does he mean by this example of hyperbole? Who is acting most reasonable in this scene—John or Elizabeth? Explain.

Answer 1

This question is incomplete. Here's the complete question.

Read The Crucible, by Arthur Miller

John Proctor tells his wife Elizabeth that her “justice would freeze beer.” What does he mean by this example of hyperbole? Who is acting most reasonable in this scene—John or Elizabeth? Explain.

Answer:

Proctor claims he feels judged by Elizabeth, and the hyperbole used refers to how cold she is, so cold that she could freeze beer, which freezes at a colder temperature than water. He means that she has no warm feelings for him, as in no compassion.

Explanation:

However, I think that Elizabeth is the most reasonable in this scene, given that Proctor has lied to her about being alone with Abigail.