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How does the word crucible relate to the play?
Two definitions of the word “crucible” can apply to the title of the play The Crucible, “a container for melting or purifying metals” and “a severe test.” The village of Salem was a strict puritan community, a container.
Which definition of crucible is most relevant to the play Why?
As defined in dictionary.com, one of the meanings of “crucible” is “a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial. One definition for “crucible” is a severe test or trial. This is the definition most often attributed to the play. There is a direction connection: within the play, the witch trials were very severe.
Why might the title of the play be The Crucible How do these definitions relate to the play as a whole?
Arthur Miller cleverly picked the title “The Crucible” for his play about the Salem witch hunts of the 1660’s because of the word’s many meanings. Throughout the play, Miller has characters face severe tests that make them question their own self. A crucible is also an earthen pot that is used for melting metals.
What is a crucible and how is that a good description of the play?
A crucible is a container made of a substance that can resist great heat ; a crucible is also defined as a severe test. The witch trials serve as a metaphorical crucible, which burns away the characters’ outer shells to reveal their true intentions and character beneath.
Why is play called crucible?
The Crucible is a 1950s play about the Salem Witch Trials by Arthur Miller. Miller intended “The Crucible” as an allegory to McCarthyism. The events that took place during the time the play was written were very similar to the Salem witch hunts. This is why Miller named the book “The crucible” after the salem trials.
What is the literal meaning of the word crucible?
1 : a vessel of a very refractory (see refractory entry 1 sense 3) material (such as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat. 2 : a severe test He’s ready to face the crucible of the Olympics.
Which is the best definition of a crucible?
A crucible can either be defined as a ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures; or a place or occasion of severe test or trial. Both these definitions can be applied to the meaning of the tile of the play, The Crucible.
What was the significance of Arthur Miller’s the Crucible?
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.
Is the play The Crucible based on a true story?
The play written by Arthur Miller titled “The Crucible” is based on real events that correlate with this definition. “The Crucible” depicts the 1692 Salem Witch Trials that transformed the town of Salem into hysteria. The start of the trials began way before Abigail Williams accused one of the townspeople of witchcraft, but when many girls
How does the witch trials relate to the Crucible?
Within the context of the play the term takes on a new meaning: not only is the crucible a test, but a test designed to bring about change or reveal an individual’s true character. The witch trials serve as a metaphorical crucible, which burns away the characters’ outer shells to reveal their true intentions and character beneath.