Red Herring

What is Red Herring? A red herring fallacy is: Something intended to divert attention from  the real problem or matter at hand; a misleading clue..

Red Herring in the Crucible Act Three Danforth: “Abigail, is it possible that the spirits were illusion only, some deception that may cross your mind. Search your heart and tell me this.” Abigail: “I have been hurt Mr. Danforth. I have been near murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people. There is– face turns, frightened.” Danforth: “What is it, child?” Abigail: “I—I know not. A wind, a cold wind has come.” Abigail comes up with a diversion about a cold wind to distract the court from Mr. Danforth’s accusation against her.

Red Herring in the Crucible Act One Abigail: “Gah! I’d almost forgot how strong you are, John Proctor!” Proctor: “What’s this mischief here?” Abigail: “Oh, she’s only gone silly somehow.” John Proctor diverts Abigails attention from his strength to the “mischief.”

Sources "Logical Fallacies Red Herring." Logical Fallacies. N.p., 2009. Web. Web. 12 March. 2015. http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/red +herring