The play the “ Crucible” is written by Authur Miller and was published in 1953 as a response to what is known as the “communist scares” in America in the 1950s. The definition of a crucible can be defined as a severe test. Although it also can be defined as a container that can withstand high temperatures, it is often used to melt and change the shape of metals. In the play, the definition of a crucible is used as both a test and a purification process. Miller did a very good job of tying in the definition of the word to the story, for example, the trials can be compared to the severe tests or trials. While the town of Salem can be compared to the container that melts metals also, the severe tests or trials can be compared to how people are fighting themselves and making moral decisions on coming clean or purifying themselves.
The word crucible itself is used as a term of personification within the play. The town of Salem is the crucible, and the people who live in the town of Salem are the crucible substances. Then the idea of witchcraft can be seen as the heat or flames in this comparison. A crucible is used in metal crafts because you can change the properties, shapes, and atomic structure of the metal. They become easier to work with when heated or melted together. The use of definition of severe tests can be applied to John Proctor and the changes we see him undergo throughout the play.
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John Proctor is known for having a lot of pride, he will do anything to protect his name. For example, At the beginning of the play, Proctor was stubborn and selfish. An example of this is when he yelled at Mary Warren, “Be you foolish, Mary Warren? Be you deaf? I forbid you to leave the house, did I not? Why shall I pay you? I am looking for you more often than my cows.” ( page.176). Although we do not see these same qualities carry through the play. Proctor also has a lot of baggage weighing over his head when it comes to Abigail Williams. John Proctor had an affair with Abigail and is trying to let go but Abigail is unable to let go of John. John is trying to save his marriage with Elizebeth but is too afraid to confront Abigail that she will tell the town what has happened between the two. The turning point where we see Proctor undergo one of the severe tests is when Abigail accuses his wife Elizabeth of witchcraft. Would he protect his name or would the love he had for his wife overcome that pride and selfishness he had?
John has to decide whether to confess his affair with Abigail. He decided to prove the accusers wrong and confess, “In the proper place - where my beasts are bedded… I know you must see it now.” (220-221). Although Proctor did remain stubborn and prideful when it came down to being accused of witchcraft. He was told if he confessed he would live however Proctor would not confess. At the end of the play, he didn’t show these qualities for himself but for those around him. He was willing to die with the others that were accused, over confessing to something he never did. He tells Danforth that he won’t confess, “Danforth: Do you sport with me? You will sign your name or it is no confession, Mister! Proctor: Praise be to the Lord! Danforth: If you please, sir. Proctor: No.” (239).
Giles Corey also faced a major test. Like Proctor, he was accused of being a witch. When questioned about it, he refused to answer. His decision not to answer leads to him being stoned to death, “Proctor: Then how does he die? Elizabeth: They press him, John. Proctor: Press? Elizabeth: Great stones they lay upon his chest until he pleads are or nay. They say he gives them but two words. “More weight,” he says. And died.” (235-236). There are many alternative titles that Miller could have used. He could have used something along the lines of the “Salem witch trials” or the “Communist scares” that were going on in the time period when the play was written. A title that I believe Miller could have also used is “A Struggle for Power” Power was everything in Salem. The “melting pot” however is a perfect way to describe this story as some characters were easier to confess than others. The severe tests were shown by those who would turn on others to save themselves or who would stand up for the truth in Salem. I believe He chose this title for many different reasons, mostly on the definition of “the crucible”. The title is both mysterious and exact at the same time, making it very effective. Many people are attracted to this book just by its title. No title could have been better for this play in my opinion.
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