Red Herring

By: Sara-Cate & Dana

Definition

Something intended to divert attention from the real problem or matter at hand; a misleading clue.

An argument that is changed by a totally different topic, that turns into an argument about the different topic.

Red Herring. Dictionary. Web. 16 Feb. 2012.

Pop Culture Example

South Park argues about stupid stuff and will change the argument randomly.

Adimoga. Bindapple. 11 June 2011. Web. 16 Feb. 2012.

Crucible Examples of Red Herring

“That she – she sometimes made a compact with Lucifer, and wrote her name in his black book – with her blood – and bound herself to torment Christians till God’s thrown down – and we all must worship hell forevermore,” said Mary Warren. This was in act two on page 195.

Why?They were talking about the devil’s black

book. Then, they moved away from that argument and started to argue about Mary Warren’s spirit choking him in court.

Crucible Examples of Red Herring Cont.

Abigail- “You come 5 mile to see a silly girl fly? I know you better.”

Proctor- “I come to see what mischief your uncle is brewin’ now. Put it out of mind, Abby.”

Abigail- “John I’m waitin’ for you every night.” Proctor- “ Abby I never gave you hope to wait for me.” Abigail- “I have nothing better than hope, I think!” Proctor- “ Abby you’ll put it out of mind I not be comin’ for

you.” Abigail- “ You’re surely sportin’ with me.” Proctor- “ You know me better.” From Act One on Page 176.

Why?They started by talking about a girl flying

over a barn. Then, they going to a discussion about their affair.

References

http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/red+herring