Book Review on the Crucible
The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, tells the story of the hysteria that evolved in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. Arthur Miller uses the title of his play as a symbol throughout its content. A crucible is a container used to heat metals at a high temperature so the metal can be cast, often using intense pressure to do so. Crucibles are often also used to remove impurities from a substance, so that only the pure matter remains. Also a crucible is a severe test. (Webster's, 196) The relevance of the title is apparent in many of the themes and issues of the play. One such instance is stated by Reverend Parris, "Why, Rebecca, we may open up the boil of all our troubles today because in the end the witchcraft investigation provokes the burning down and destruction of the community." (Miller, 1193). In this passage many words correspond with the metaphoric meaning of The Crucible. The other definition of the crucible, a severe test, relates to the play by showing how people can give into their fear and superstition and go against their beliefs. For example, when many of the towns girls were given the chance to confess that they were making up the accusations towards the townspeople, they did not confess with Mary Warren, they
Is there any truth in this?ABIGAIL: No, sir. Abigail Williams along with John Proctor seemed to be the inciters of the play. Although John knows that signing a confession will go against his values, he signs the confession. Arthur Miller's style throughout The Crucible is very straightforward, he uses simple vocabulary and sentence structure. The setting of the play The Crucible is set in Salem, Massachusetts around 1692. The Puritans were very religious and easily persuaded by those who talked about actions that could not be rationalize by the bible, this is what allowed Abigail's allegations to be taken seriously. DANFORTH: Your friend, Mary Warren, has given us a deposition. The final act of the play concentrates on both John and Elizabeth Proctor's faith is their religion and what they know will keep them alive. Children were either busy with their schoolwork or household chores. With this action, John's fait is sealed, he will be hanged. Reputation is also greatly vital in Salem, as the play begins, reverend is afraid that with Abigail's accusations and his daughters coma, that his name will be tainted with witchcraft. Soon, when court officials come to the Proctor's home, the witch trials become a harsh reality to John, he now knows that he must do what is right, go against the court. John Proctor's wish to keep a clean name in the village allows him to die without signing his name to an false confession.
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Acceptance Essays
