The title of “The Crucible” can be defined in two meaning. The first one is defined as a container in which metals are subjected to high temperature; the container can also purify metal. It is a good metaphor for the bloody village of Salem. The village of Salem is a puritan society, this can connect with the meaning of container. The content of this “crucible” are the Salem’s citizens with their excessive emotion. The crucible which is full of the accusations of witchcraft can also been regarded as a melting pot. At the beginning of the story, the majority of the victims are slaves and rovers; however, witchcraft gradually turn into an inordinate enemy when citizens are charged such as Elizabeth.
The second meaning of crucible is “severe test”. The entire society of Salem is a severe and difficult test throughout the whole trial. For example, John Proctor was once put through a severe test of faith of the court and of God. Yet John found that he could not cast away his clan’s reputation in signing a confession at the end. All of the villagers who encounter the trial go through the severe test, and that is why “The Crucible” comes from.
I agree with you, they all went through a severe test and they have to made many tough decisions. Whether signing the confession or not was a hard test for John Proctor. Well done! :)
ReplyDeleteI like how you related the whole story to the first definition a container in which metals are subjected to high temperature. In order to strengthen your idea, I think you can illustrate more about Elizabeth's example. I like your explanation for second definition very much. I agree with you that telling the truth is one of the serve test in The Crucible.
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