The Crucible Essay
The word crucible has three different meanings that each contributes its own metaphorical meaning to the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. A crucible is a piece of equipment for melting substances in a laboratory, a severe test, or a situation in which concentrated forces cause change. Arthur Miller chose
During the Salem witch trials in the late 1600’s, people were brought to the court, accused of witchcraft, and then were either sentenced to death or forced to sell out other women who were “witches,” turning the town into a crucible for the “melting” community. Theses trials begin in the play when Abigail and the other girls lie about dancing naked in the woods to avoid getting in trouble themselves. The town is described …show more content…
Elizabeth is also tested when she has to choose between forgiving her husband and protecting his good name, or telling the truth about John’s affair. Both characters struggle with their conflicting morals and actions. When Elizabeth is arrested for lying to protect John’s good name, her honest image is tarnished as well. However, in Act IV, she is faced with an even more severe test when Hale tries to convince her to change her husband’s mind about confessing to the court. “I beg you woman, prevail upon your husband to confess.. Have the devil dried up any tear of pity in you?” (132-133) Elizabeth’s ability to remain stoic during this trial is a redeeming moment for her as she selflessly helps John to defend his name and helps to put an end to the trials by letting him choose his own actions without outside influence. Elizabeth has also overcome forgiving John for his affair with Abigail, and he is restored as a good man in her eyes. She tells him in Act IV, “whatever you do, it is a good man does it.” (137) Elizabeth saying this helps John make his decision. John decides to falsely confess to witchcraft in order to protect his family, but he refuses to name any other names, saying that he will only confess to his own sins. He passes his final test, however, when he
The word crucible has three different meanings that each contributes its own metaphorical meaning to the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. A crucible is a piece of equipment for melting substances in a laboratory, a severe test, or a situation in which concentrated forces cause change. Arthur Miller chose
During the Salem witch trials in the late 1600’s, people were brought to the court, accused of witchcraft, and then were either sentenced to death or forced to sell out other women who were “witches,” turning the town into a crucible for the “melting” community. Theses trials begin in the play when Abigail and the other girls lie about dancing naked in the woods to avoid getting in trouble themselves. The town is described …show more content…
Elizabeth is also tested when she has to choose between forgiving her husband and protecting his good name, or telling the truth about John’s affair. Both characters struggle with their conflicting morals and actions. When Elizabeth is arrested for lying to protect John’s good name, her honest image is tarnished as well. However, in Act IV, she is faced with an even more severe test when Hale tries to convince her to change her husband’s mind about confessing to the court. “I beg you woman, prevail upon your husband to confess.. Have the devil dried up any tear of pity in you?” (132-133) Elizabeth’s ability to remain stoic during this trial is a redeeming moment for her as she selflessly helps John to defend his name and helps to put an end to the trials by letting him choose his own actions without outside influence. Elizabeth has also overcome forgiving John for his affair with Abigail, and he is restored as a good man in her eyes. She tells him in Act IV, “whatever you do, it is a good man does it.” (137) Elizabeth saying this helps John make his decision. John decides to falsely confess to witchcraft in order to protect his family, but he refuses to name any other names, saying that he will only confess to his own sins. He passes his final test, however, when he