are many definitions for a crucible but mainly two of them fit the story most. The

first definition of a crucible is a melting pot that chemist and alchemists used to mix

metals, but in order to melt the metals down they had to heat the metals up to a

certain point for them to turn to liquids. So in fact a crucible is a container that can

withstand high temperatures. In this way the characters of the play have to withstand a lot

of heat but like all metals they find their boiling point and just give up. This is evident in

the play when John Proctor, the story's main character, becomes so enthralled with

the trial and all the pressure that he signs his own death warrant just to get it over

with. The second definition of a crucible is a great test or trial, and as one might

know the story unfolds itself to be a great trial of good versus evil. The title serves as

a point of departure for the reader and gives the reader a edge into the story even

before you start to read the play itself.

In a metaphorical way, Miller uses the title The Crucible to potray many

points. For example, The Crucible actually intended to be a satire of the

how the hysteria of a people leads to its downfall and how the only thing we have

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but instead is killed because she lied. The harshness of the judge is intense as he

starting to be destroyed by evil found within itself. The "heat" and presence of

Miller directly, historically, and metaphorically ties it down and connects it all to the title.

authority type characters to realize they have signed away the lives of many

to fear is our selves. For his work on this play and his affirmation of once being a

same) for the word metal is mettle. What mettle is is your spirit, strength, or courage. This

for many reason. First, the word crux has ties to crucifixion. In the story John

the Latin word crucibulum. The root word of crucibulum is crux. This is important

what he thought was right. That is what cruxifaction is. The second importance of

Spiritually, the play's title The Crucible could have a reference to hell if one

by crucifixion but led to a leading theme of irony found throughout the play.

Some common words found in the essay are:
John Proctor, Mary Warren, Proctor Act, John Procter, Miller Crucible, Author Miller's, List Salem, found throughout, title crucible, found throughout play, john proctor, throughout play, , themes found throughout, intensity pressure, heat metals, story john, definition crucible, presence satan, found throughout story, innocent people,
Approximate Word count = 890
Approximate Pages = 4 (250 words per page double spaced)