How Does Arthur Miller Create Tension In The Crucible

The word “crucible” can be defined two different ways: a severe trial/test or a vessel used to heat substances since it is able to withstand high temperatures. In the case of Arthur Miller’s play, “The Crucible,” both definitions are applicable. The play is set in a small town named Salem, which definitely experiences heat as with hysteria arises, ultimately serving as a test of people’s faiths and beliefs. John Proctor, one of the main protagonists, best portrays the title’s meaning, as he was forced to face internal struggles and had his morals harshly challenged. Arthur Miller relates the town of Salem to a crucible because of the mass hysteria that arose, which eventually led to the tials where people’s faiths were challenged. To elaborate,

I have seen too many frightful proofs in court- the Devil is alive in Salem, and we dare not quail to follow wherever the accusing finger points” (Miller 68). With the invitation of Reverend Hale, he believes that the Devil is present and the town should not back away from fear. Instead, they must investigate whoever shows any evidence of witchery and shut them down before the heat becomes overpowering. The request for Reverend Hale to come investigate the hysteria is a surefire sign of the heat that is quickly escalating in Salem. After Hale arrives, the heat exponentially rises to unbearable levels, as there is more and more tension revealed between the townspeople, which eventually leads to the trials. Thus, the town of Salem is a metaphor for a physical crucible vessel. Additionally, in its entirety, the town is also a trial of people’s faith in God and the court. Everyone in Salem was Puritan, so they strictly followed the Bible and God. Near the end of the play, Reverend Hale attempts to convince John Proctor not to add to the hysteria by pressuring him to confess, claiming that it is a bigger sin to die of pride than to lie: “Quail not before God's judgement in this, for it may well be God damns a liar

John is a very reputable and respectable man in Salem, however, he succumbs to sin and commits adultery with Abigail, the house’s maid. His decision has tormented him and damaged him greatly because if word got out, he would lose his good name, yet, he strives to compensate for his sin by coming clean to the jury: “A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now. I beg you sir… see her what she is… God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance” (Miller 85). By revealing his wrongdoings to the court, he has sacrificed his reputation for the greater good: that the hysteria Abigail and the girls are causing will stop. John has thus demonstrated his goodness and willingness to right his wrongs. This further validates that Salem is a crucible in which people are put on trial and their true selves are revealed. Additionally, at the end of the play, John is faced yet again with another internal struggle: confessing to witchcraft and living his life as a lie, or staying truthful and die. When John is on the verge of confessing on a lie, he realizes the right decision and stays truthful, proclaiming, “because it is my name! Because I lie and sign myself to lies… I have given you my soul; leave me and my name!” (Miller 143). By ripping up the