Post #2: February 2, 2009: Clever, Arthur Miller, Very Clever

After reading the play "Crucible," I was pretty curious about why this play was called that. I had no idea that the word Crucible would have a large connection to the actual play. According to dictionary.com, the world crucible has two meanings that are very appropriate to the content of the play. The first meaning describes a crucible as "a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures" in order to gain the pure element. The second meaning is "a severe trial and test" of patience and belief.

In connection with the actual play, the crucible represents a severe trial and test of the accused persons personalities. For example, John Proctor's integrity, morals, beliefs, and honesty were tested. Like a chemistry crucible, the play is about ridding of the weak and false characteristics of a person and revealing his or her true "pure" identity. There is a transformation that takes place between the characters and as well as the changes of the town. There is a great deal of tension in the town, and things start to "heat up." The people, court, and town were "heated" and pressured with greed and fear. In the end, just like a crucible, the town is left with something that has been changed by the heat: disorder and chaos.

The Crucible can also represent the courtroom in the play. The judge used the heat of questioning and pressures upon the accused, so they burned away all the impurities (lies) to get to the purified truth. All the accused were the metals in the crucible. They were being tested if they could withstand the pressures and "heat" of the trials. In the end, only a few people were able to withstand the "heat" and keep their pride, dignity, and morals. Many people "melted," but I am doubtful if they could live their lives knowing they gave up their morals and dignity.