One of the dictionary definition of the word crucible is a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial. When this definition is used, it is clear why Miller chose this title. The play centers on the trials of witchcraft and tests the beliefs of the community. It is also a test of the strength and loyalty of the community to one's neighbor versus the court. Another definition, probably the most well known, is a vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures. Materials are ground down in a crucible. The people of Salem were ground down during the trials when the court tried to force them to confess.
I think there is also a lot of significance in the "melting" and "high heat" part of the second definition. The violent reactions that take place in a crucible could represent the violent hysteria present during that time. It seems as if everyone in the town is put in the "hot seat" of the courtroom and it leads to the spiritual and physical destruction of many.
I agree with how you used the definition "belief". This whole play is about Salem and how religious they are and how spiritual the citizens are. I also agree that the citizens are tested about their beliefs throughout the entire play. I like how you clearly took one part of the definition and related it to the "big picture" of the story.
As Rapunzel previously stated, a crucible is vessel used to change materials through either melting or grinding. The "change" part of the definition could refer to the changing of the characters. Before the trials, John Proctor was unwilling to admit to his affair with Abigail. However, after being put through the "crucible", he is willing to shame himself in order to save his wife. In the "melting" process he changes into a more honorable man. Elizabeth also changes in the play. Initially, she is a very honest woman, but at the end, when John Proctor must choose whether or not he will admit to witchcraft, she becomes selfish and wants him to lie to stay alive even though it may not be the most honorable decision.
As previously stated, a crucible can represent a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial. In the play, all of the characters, whether protagonists or antagonists, undergo intense tests of their spiritual and moral values. Although John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse, the heroes of the story, were both put through overwhelming challenges and supreme difficulties, they retained their values throughout the entire 'crucible'.
I like how you focus on the changing of the characters. Even today we use the term crucible to signify a change in character. The best known example of it would be when our marines go through the crucible as one of their final steps in training. The crucible shows off the new skills a marine possesses in order to make it through the training. I think this example goes good with the character changes the book title signifies.
As both Rapunzel and The Little Mermaid stated, a crucible can be defined as a container used to change materials through melting or grinding. This portion of the definiton of a crucible could possibly be related to the medieval trials by ordeal. It was believed in medieval Europe that a person accused of a crime would be subject to an ordeal that per medieval beliefs would judge the accused's innocence based on whether or not God saved them proving them to be innocent. More specifically the ordeal by fire would apply to the definition of crucible. Both point in history rely heavily on their beliefs in God and what must be done to retain a spot in heaven.
I agree, crucible is a wisely chosen title for the book because of the definition and how it can be applied to the trial, but also the beliefs of that time. The ordeal in a whole was essentially the trials which is a definition of the word crucible. I would conclude all the examples above create the reasoning behind the title the author chose.
The definition of crucible is to be tested or to be put into a situation where you go through many difficult lessons throughout life and you have to figure out how to deal with them. I feel like using the word crucible fits perfectly with this play. Throughout the entire play there are many difficult tasks that the main characters, especially John Proctor, must overcome in order to try to save the town of Salem from falling into the mass hysteria. Many of the characters are put to the test and have to figure out how to get out of these heated situations. Parris must find his way towards godliness. The Putnams need to be able to control themselves in the heated conversations in the courtroom. Proctor must try to convince the town to believe that the ones accused for being a witch are innocent. These characters all go through crucibles.
One of the dictionary definition of the word crucible is a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial. When this definition is used, it is clear why Miller chose this title. The play centers on the trials of witchcraft and tests the beliefs of the community. It is also a test of the strength and loyalty of the community to one's neighbor versus the court. Another definition, probably the most well known, is a vessel made of a refractory substance such as graphite or porcelain, used for melting and calcining materials at high temperatures. Materials are ground down in a crucible. The people of Salem were ground down during the trials when the court tried to force them to confess.
ReplyDeleteI think there is also a lot of significance in the "melting" and "high heat" part of the second definition. The violent reactions that take place in a crucible could represent the violent hysteria present during that time. It seems as if everyone in the town is put in the "hot seat" of the courtroom and it leads to the spiritual and physical destruction of many.
DeleteI agree with how you used the definition "belief". This whole play is about Salem and how religious they are and how spiritual the citizens are. I also agree that the citizens are tested about their beliefs throughout the entire play. I like how you clearly took one part of the definition and related it to the "big picture" of the story.
DeleteAs Rapunzel previously stated, a crucible is vessel used to change materials through either melting or grinding. The "change" part of the definition could refer to the changing of the characters. Before the trials, John Proctor was unwilling to admit to his affair with Abigail. However, after being put through the "crucible", he is willing to shame himself in order to save his wife. In the "melting" process he changes into a more honorable man. Elizabeth also changes in the play. Initially, she is a very honest woman, but at the end, when John Proctor must choose whether or not he will admit to witchcraft, she becomes selfish and wants him to lie to stay alive even though it may not be the most honorable decision.
ReplyDeleteAs previously stated, a crucible can represent a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial. In the play, all of the characters, whether protagonists or antagonists, undergo intense tests of their spiritual and moral values. Although John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse, the heroes of the story, were both put through overwhelming challenges and supreme difficulties, they retained their values throughout the entire 'crucible'.
ReplyDeleteI like how you focus on the changing of the characters. Even today we use the term crucible to signify a change in character. The best known example of it would be when our marines go through the crucible as one of their final steps in training. The crucible shows off the new skills a marine possesses in order to make it through the training. I think this example goes good with the character changes the book title signifies.
DeleteAs both Rapunzel and The Little Mermaid stated, a crucible can be defined as a container used to change materials through melting or grinding. This portion of the definiton of a crucible could possibly be related to the medieval trials by ordeal. It was believed in medieval Europe that a person accused of a crime would be subject to an ordeal that per medieval beliefs would judge the accused's innocence based on whether or not God saved them proving them to be innocent. More specifically the ordeal by fire would apply to the definition of crucible. Both point in history rely heavily on their beliefs in God and what must be done to retain a spot in heaven.
ReplyDeleteI agree, crucible is a wisely chosen title for the book because of the definition and how it can be applied to the trial, but also the beliefs of that time. The ordeal in a whole was essentially the trials which is a definition of the word crucible. I would conclude all the examples above create the reasoning behind the title the author chose.
DeleteThe definition of crucible is to be tested or to be put into a situation where you go through many difficult lessons throughout life and you have to figure out how to deal with them. I feel like using the word crucible fits perfectly with this play. Throughout the entire play there are many difficult tasks that the main characters, especially John Proctor, must overcome in order to try to save the town of Salem from falling into the mass hysteria. Many of the characters are put to the test and have to figure out how to get out of these heated situations. Parris must find his way towards godliness. The Putnams need to be able to control themselves in the heated conversations in the courtroom. Proctor must try to convince the town to believe that the ones accused for being a witch are innocent. These characters all go through crucibles.
ReplyDelete