Table of Contents
What does the word crucible mean in the play?
A “crucible” is a severe test or trial, which is exactly what happens in the play. Miller intended “The Crucible” as an allegory to McCarthyism. The events that took place during the time the play was written were very similar to the Salem witch hunts.
What was Miller’s main reason for writing this allegory?
While he refused to cooperate with Congress by providing names of communists, Arthur Miller began writing his play that compares the hysteria that resulted in McCarthyism to the hysteria that resulted in the Salem witch trials.
What genre of literature is The Crucible?
| The Crucible | |
|---|---|
| Original language | English |
| Subject | Salem witch trials, McCarthyism |
| Genre | Tragedy |
| Setting | Salem, Massachusetts Bay Colony |
Who is the villain of The Crucible?
Abigail Williams
Why is Reverend Parris disliked?
Parris is an unpleasant and condemning man who is quick to accuse others of whatever he can in order to deflect any negativity from himself. Parris’s biggest fear seems to be that a faction of his own people are out to get him, and this fear and paranoia is what drives him most of the time.
What does Reverend Parris symbolize?
Hover for more information. Parris’ significance in the drama is that he is the character who stands to benefit the most from the hysteria caused by the witch trials. He advocates the witch trials when it will deflect criticism of Betty’s and Abigail’s behavior in the woods and his own standing in the town.
What are the two meanings of crucible?
1 : a vessel of a very refractory (see refractory entry 1 sense 3) material (such as porcelain) used for melting and calcining a substance that requires a high degree of heat. 2 : a severe test He’s ready to face the crucible of the Olympics.