The Significance of the Title in the Crucible - 1798 Words

What is the significance of the title in The Crucible? The title of The Crucible effectively helps us to understand the play in a deeper and more thorough way as the definitions of the noun ‘crucible’ reflects the themes of the play such as moral, reputation, courage, righteousness, hysteria and truth. It also foreshadows the severe and unjust persecution of the upright characters who hold on to their beliefs and moral values, as the word ‘crucible’ comes from the Latin word ‘crucibulum’, which derives from the word ‘crux’. ‘Crux’ is also the root word of ‘crucifixion’. The first definition of the noun ‘crucible’ is a refractory container which is used for melting metal in a very high temperature or where concentrated forces are asserted†¦show more content†¦Although they are all killed in the end, they die in the most righteous way with dignity. They are purified in the hysteria and as the purified metal shine through all the dust and impurities, as Proctor says in the end, â€Å"I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but enough to keep from such dogs.† This is significant as Proctor thinks that he is a sinner throughout the play because he commits adultery. But after making this morally superior choice, even he feels his goodness. He is also confident that his goodness triumphs over the other people’s immoralities, as he describes them as ‘dogs’ which emphasises their immorality. Their integrity also shines through the lies and immoralities, as El izabeth says in the end, â€Å"He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.† The fact that she mentions ‘God’ shows how important, valuable and exceptional virtue is, especially in such an immoral time, as the noun ‘goodness’ refers to moral excellence. Moreover, as the definition states, the purified metal, which is the most valuable, important thing, is what left behind of a furnace, in the same way, for those who dies for truth and righteousness, their precious good names are remained. Ultimately, this is what the people willingly die for, and makes their death worthwhile, since name equals to reputation and dignity in the society, as Proctor cries in the end, â€Å"How may I live without my name?† Therefore, in other words,Show MoreRelatedDepiction Of Guilt In Arthur Millers The Crucible723 Words   |  3 Pagesand renounces them finds mercy.† (Proverbs 28:13) By definition of the Merriam-Webster dictionary, crucible is a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new. In the play The Crucible, Arthur Miller writes about John Proctor and the trials him, his wife, and the rest of the town have to endure. There is a great significance to the title of the play from themes and events that take place. Things like the thought process of, â€Å"One is guiltyRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller771 Words   |  4 Pagescircumstances test are mental strength and how strong our morals are. In Arthur Miller s, The Crucible, several characters in Salem, Massachusetts were tested internally by the Witch Trials. In his play he uses examples of how difficult situations can bring out a person s true self. Using the word crucible has a significance between the characters and title since the definition is a severe trial. In The Crucible John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey are characte rs who illustrate being tested duringRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller985 Words   |  4 Pagescircumstances test are mental strength and how strong our morals are. In Arthur Miller s, The Crucible, several characters in Salem, Massachusetts were tested internally by the Witch Trials. In his play he uses examples of how tough situations can bring out a person s true self. Using the word crucible has a significance between the characters and title since the definition is a severe trial. In The Crucible John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey are characters who illustrate being tested byRead MoreThe Crucible : The Potential Of Change916 Words   |  4 PagesJoie Lim Johnston English 11H, Period 7 8 October 2015 The Crucible: The Potential of Change Introduction: In The Crucible, Arthur Miller recreates the anxiety and hysteria of the Salem witch-trials from 1692. Although the title, not once is the word â€Å"crucible† spoken in the play. However, the people and events of the Salem witch trials correspond with the definition of a â€Å"crucible†. The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines â€Å"crucible† three ways: â€Å"A pot in which metals or other substances are heatedRead MoreIn the opening of the play, how does Miller seek to create an atmosphere of hysteria and tension? Do you find the opening effective?941 Words   |  4 Pagesï » ¿In the opening of the play, how does Miller seek to create an atmosphere of hysteria and tension? Do you find the opening effective? Premiering in 1953, Arthur Miller’s the crucible was a scathing attack on the Communist scare of the era in the guise of a dramatization of the witch hunts that took place in Salem in the 1960’s. Throughout the beginning the play follows how fear of death, The Devil and the unknown causes people to submit to madness and how the sense of guilt could cause themRead MoreThe Crucible By Arthur Miller1694 Words   |  7 Pagesname is less obvious. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller recreates the anxiety and hysteria of the Salem witch-trials from 1692. Although the title, not once is the word â€Å"crucible† spoken in the play. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines â€Å"crucible† three ways: â€Å"A pot in which metals or other substances are heated to a very high temperature or melted†, â€Å"a difficult test or challenge†, and â€Å"a place or situation that forces people to change or make difficult decisions† (â€Å"Crucible†). The def initions metaphoricallyRead MoreMeaning and Symbolism in the Crucible by Arthur Miller2322 Words   |  10 PagesCrucible Meaning Essay Crucible, a noun defined as; a container of metal or refractory material employed for heating substances to high temperatures, in the traditional sense but, it also means a severe, searching test or trial. The latter of the two definitions is exactly what Arthur Miller had in mind when he wrote the play, The Crucible. The play set in Salem Massachusetts during the start of the infamous Salem Witch Trials, is about the struggle to discover truth within the twisted and brutalRead MoreThe Crucible: Judgment849 Words   |  4 PagesThe Crucible: Judgment The definition of judgment according to Encarta Encyclopedia, is the formation of an opinion. It is a simple definition,clear and direct. Although, there is more to the word judgment than meets the eye. What about the last word in the definition? What is an opinion? An opinion is described as a belief or conclusion that is held without any substantial proof. That word might not seem to have too much significance at this very moment, but it did back in 1692, in Salem, MassachusettsRead MoreCharacterization Of The Crucible757 Words   |  4 PagesShadman Raakin Ms. Brayer American Lit. 11 October 2017 Title In The Crucible, Arthur Miller uses the characterization of Abigail Williams, Thomas Putnam, and Governor Danforth, to show how people protect themselves during times of hysteria, which helps to continue the chaos that broke throughout Salem. Miller shows the importance of maintaining values and principles in order help end the chaos. Miller connects The Crucible with the events of the witch hunts from the 1690s where citizensRead MoreTheme Of Honor In The Crucible1079 Words   |  5 PagesAbigail Williams shows dishonor towards the victims of Salem and towards Elizabeth Proctor. John Proctor’s name is an example of honor because he doesnt want his title to be disrespected by the community for admitting to witchcraft. Honor continues to become a factor back in the 17th century and even today. In the play, â€Å"The Crucible†, honor, and dishonor are represented multiple times throughout the play. First, Abigail Williams is an example of dishonor because she and the other girls