During “The Crucible” many characters are brought through the courts because of accusations of witchcraft or working with the devil. The word crucible is used to define a pot able to withstand great temperatures, giving it the ability to melt down tough metals such as iron and steel. The word crucible is also used to describe a severe test or trial. The title “The Crucible” is a metaphor to explain the way the courts went about their trials. During the Salem Witch Trials, when people were accused of witchcraft, the main goal of the courts was to get a confession from the accused. Although there were some who would not confess and were sentenced to being hung or pressed.
One of the reasons the court wants a confession is so that they can try and save the accused of the devil’s workings. A prime example of this during Act One was when Reverend Hale says to Tituba, “You have confessed yourself to witchcraft, and that speaks a wish to come to Heaven’s side” (Miller 46). Tituba’s original intention was most likely not
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Danforth tells Proctor this to remind him that the court has means of figuring out what the accused are not confessing. Throughout the time that Proctor is at the court trying to prove his wife innocent along with his friends’ wives; Rev. Parris continuously accuses and gives reasons to Danforth about Proctor being no godly man. He brings up topics such as the fact that Proctor plows on Sundays and doesn’t come to church any more than once every moment. Later on, when the court is questioning Mary Warren as Proctor pressures her to tell the truth; she finally goes crazy and runs out of the court and turns the tide on Proctor and gives a final blow by accusing of being a devils man, which in turn lands Proctor in