The Crucible – A classic novel about witch trials

the crucible

The word Melting pot means pot, which is used to heat a substance or material in order to remove the basic elements. Typically, chemists and goldsmiths use this pot to obtain precious metals in their pure form. In a figurative sense, it also means the system and the severe situation. In this sense the title the crucible it is quite apt and relevant to the work. A title is like a store sign in that the sign reveals what material is available in the store, similarly a good title helps the reader to judge the themes and concerns of the work.

In a political-religious situation like the one depicted in the play, there can be nothing more difficult and difficult for a poor illiterate. Salem’s existing legal system makes revenge awfully easy. A radical accusation can throw a person to destruction. The judges, as well as the prosecutors, are as superstitious as the people in that area. A cunning person can easily get rid of his enemies simply by accusing them of witchcraft. An extorted confession is an easy thing. No one cares or investigates whether the accusation is true or false. So the figurative meaning of Melting pot it is justified by its crucial history.

The literal meaning of this word is a large pot used by witches into which they add foul and hateful ingredients of diabolical recipe, while boiling, its fumes or vapors invoke evil spirits. In the play we find Abigail with her friends in the woods where they have a kettle into which they are adding ingredients dictated by Tituba, a black Parris servant. Here we can imply that Salem is symbolically represented as a crucible where we find the development of intrigues, intrigues and traps at the boiling point of it. It’s the biggest hype in town.

The most significant explanation for its title is that John Proctor experienced the heat of harsh and harsh times, resulting in his purging. As he faced the most difficult time of his life, he emerged as a better and more purified individual whose morality improved somewhat.

The course of events narrates that Abigail, under the accusation of being unfaithful and impure, has resigned from her job. This experience of hers makes her bitter and determines her to take revenge for her insult. She accuses Elizabeth of being involved in witchcraft. Proctor’s only option is to confess to his adultery with Abigail, but his own good name will be at stake in this revelation. Proctor has to choose between the two difficult possibilities; one is to save his wife and proclaim himself a leacher, while on the other hand he leaves his wife. Proctor went for the former, but his confession was ironically nullified by his faithful wife. The situation turned grim and the Reverend forced him to confess that his adultery was the result of witchcraft done to him by others. At first Proctor agreed, but a guilty conscience kept him from it. He finally decided to give his life as a martyr in the name of his integrity.

Arthur Miller has named it appropriately the crucible because John Proctor achieved perfection in the end by leaving behind all the vices and flaws of his character. In this work there are also implications for the political situation in the United States. It also symbolizes the fight by which Americans took democracy out of communism.

the crucible it is a social satire, a criticism of the negative behaviors from which positivism was finally born but things were never easy; people have to give their life to achieve prosperity and betterment not only in their character but also in society.

the crucible it is a game of sufferings and hardships that result in improvement, enlightenment and perfection. A man is never all good or all bad. He is a fusion of these two elements. There is an inclination towards evil, but with the process of life, a man or even a nation is distilled from impurities. In the man’s terms, Proctor gives his life to achieve a spiritual rest; he left behind him a good name and he preferred to die than to live in meanness. Proctor’s final decision is approved and appreciated by his loving wife, who saw it as something that was missing from his personality and will now illuminate him more than ever.

Having examined the title of the work for various angels we conclude that the crucible is an appropriate title for the work. It fits the theme and the action.