Why Was It Named The Crucible? A crucible is defined as “a pot in which metals or other substances are heated or a difficult test or challenge,” according to Merriam Webster. As a result of this definition, Arthur Miller decided to name his popular play The Crucible. His drama was about the Salem Witch Trials in 1692. The play does differ from the truth, however the major details and characters are correct. In The Crucible, the characters are presented with many tests and challenges that can get very heated. Some will come out melted while others will change and come out purified. Specifically, John Proctor goes through a huge test in the play. Proctor goes through guilt and the question of whether he is a good man after committing adultery. …show more content…
She gave him peace and did not try to convince him to confess because she knew he was at peace. “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him,” (134) whispered Elizabeth once he was taken away to hang. Goody Proctor allowed John to go because that was best and he would not want to live any more. “I have three children - how may I teach them to walk like men in the world when I sold my friends,” Proctor said while he was pressured to confess. In the meantime, Reverend Hale is going through changes in his character as well. Hale is a dynamic character that at first believes in witches and the fact that he will be the one to save Salem, but that soon changes. “Excellency, if you postpone a week and publish to the town that you are stirring for their confessions that speak mercy on your part, not faltering,”(120) said Hale wanting to stop the hangings. Rev. Hale changes his idea and feels guilt for the innocent deaths because he realizes that the whole trials are based on lies and are fake. Basically, Hale goes through a change of character when he gets put through the …show more content…
“There is news, sir, that the court must reckon with. My niece sir, my niece - I believe she has vanished,” (116) said Rev. Parris speaking about the girls leaving. They understood their whole setup was going down the drain after the people began to assess the situation and came to the realization that they were induced “You see sir, she told me she would stay a night with Mercy Lewis. And next day when she does not return, I send to Mr. Lewis to inquire. Mercy told him she would sleep in my house for a night.” (116)