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 were too intimidated by Abigail Williams who seemed to hold control of them all. DANFORTH: Your friend, Mary Warren, has given us a deposition. In which she swears that she never saw any familiar spirits, apparitions, nor any manifest of the Devil... Is there any truth in this?
             The setting of the play The Crucible is set in Salem, Massachusetts around 1692. During this time period people had to work night and day for what they had which would leave people little time for excitement, especially for the children of the village. Children were either busy with their schoolwork or household chores. Thus when Abigail was given the chance to cast an accusation of witchcraft on Elizabeth Proctor, this b...