The Symbolism Of The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Arthur Miller’s classic tragedy of the 1692 witch trials, “The Crucible”, uses its Salem setting as a microcosm of society under pressure. The frightening rise of hysteria, accusations and vengeance brings out the very best and worst in Miller’s characters. The message of the play is that communities contain both good and bad elements. This is most clearly manifested in the symbolism of the crucible itself, and the characterisations of John Proctor, and Thomas Putnam.
The presence of good and bad in the community is represented through the symbol of the crucible. The play’s title refers to a vessel in which metals are heated to separate the pure metal from the impurities. Each individual subjected to the ordeal of the witch hunt is revealed