Wednesday, June 10, 2015

Why is "The Crucible" an apt (fitting) title for Miller's play?

"Crucible" is defined as a vessel for melting substances together requiring extreme heat.   This is exactly what the people accused of being witches go through...extreme heat and questioning giving what is perceived as inferior answers in the face of a stern court which is determined to "get to the bottom of this" and move on.  The girls are good at acting their parts and seeing the "spirits" of the accused flying at them in menacing ways, and before you know it, many innocent and formerly respected members of the community of Salem are hanging or crushed and dead.

The "Crucible" is also the name given by US Marines to one of their obstacle courses during basic training.  It is supposed to be a tough course that one can only succeed in mastering through determination, strength--both physical and mental, and perserverance.  That sounds appropriate for this play as well.

Good Luck!

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