Term 2 Week 8 Homework

Look up the meaning of the word which constitutes the title of the play, "crucible", and give a dictionary definition. How appropriate do you consider the title to be? Write a paragraph in answer, referring to one of the play's themes to justify your response. Post on your blog before 8.20 Tuesday.  

 Definition of 'Crucible'

1. A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial.

2. A place, time, or situation characterized by the confluence of powerful intellectual, social, economic, or political forces.

Synonyms: trial. 

I consider the title, 'The Crucible', to be very appropriate because the definition of 'crucible' is based heavily on what the play is purely about. The play revolves around the very idea of the definition, 'a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial'. The 'severe test of belief' and 'trial' is what defines the connection between the the title and the play the most as belief could be considered as one of the most important themes portrayed. The town of Salem were so convinced in the belief of witches that it caused the lives of many innocent people. This links to the character and 'ultimate' trial of John Proctor, hence connecting to the significance of the title. The play is all about whether to believe if people were connected to witchcraft or not. In addition to Proctor, his trial was put in the spotlight because his death influenced more people who were accused of witchery to stand up for the truth. Furthermore, Proctor is the only individual that showed the most courage in defending himself against the false accusations throughout the majority of the play, even if it meant losing his life. Hence, his final trial, built with suspense for the audience, proves it the ultimate trial as it brings down to Proctor's decision of whether he was going to give up his life for the truth or his morals for his life. The title, 'The Crucible', would therefore become significantly relevant as the title of the play as it thoroughly conveys its meaning.