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