Crucible: 'A place or occasion of severe test or trial,' or a 'ceramic or metal container in which substances are melted at an extremely high temperature.'
I think that the title is appropriate to the play, especially relating to the theme of betrayal and loyalty. Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, tells us that human nature may result in betrayal or the proving of someone's loyalty in times or hardness and difficult trial. Therefore, I think that the title of the play is appropriate and relevant to the messages that are portrayed in the play.
In the play, Arthur Miller metaphorically illustrates a crucible throughout his play through themes presented by characters such as Abigail and the other girls accused of witchcraft. After Abigail threatens and blackmails the other girls to keep quiet about the fact that they were conjuring spirits and dancing in the woods, they slowly form and attach to each other to make a team, accusing innocent people and turning the blame on them with excellent teamwork. Although this may not be the best example of good teamwork, Miller still demonstrates one of the true sides to human nature. People, when facing 'severe test or trial', reveal what they are truly loyal to and what they consider most important to themselves. However, in contrast to this, the girls also show their lack of both sympathy and empathy, as they betray several people in order to save themselves. An example of this is the betrayal of Mary Warren to John Proctor. In the court, John Proctor does his best to save Mary, as she is being caught victim to the several lies of Abigail. However, when the situation turns against them, and Mary fears the worst, she, without hesitation, turns towards Abigail and says that she Proctor is the 'Devil's man' (Act 3, pg.104).
