What Does Martha Cory Symbolize In The Crucible

The Meaning behind the name Of the over 40,000 words brilliantly crafted into a story, only two are able of capturing the meaning of Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible. Set in Salem, Massachusetts during the witch trials, Miller depicts the town and the strong puritan values vested in its people. When accusations of witchcraft run ravage through the streets, such puritan purity is in question. The Crucible is a fitting title for Arthur Miller’s play.The English noun crucible symbolizes Salem, the trials and the resulting changes that occur.
To start, a crucible being defined as a vessel that can withstand high temperatures is symbolic of Salem. Miller describes the unity of Salem under its Theocracy. He says, “ a combine of state and religious power whose function was to keep the community together, and to prevent any kind of disunity.” (1.1.l0). The stressed value of unity in
Salem, creates a vessel that the characters are confidend within. Moreover, in Salem many citizens are accused of witchcraft. Mary Warren explains,"And folks are brought before them, and if they scream and howl and fall to the floor a€“ the person's clapped in the jail for bewitchin' them"(II.1.56) Like a crucible the city of Salem begins to heat up as tempers and angers are sparked. The Town of Salem, is the vessel that brings its citizens under the heat. The Town itself will survive, but some of its contence may not. Furthermore, the symbolic relationship between the plot and the title are shown through the trials in Salem.
Like many of the characters, Martha Cory is on trial for witchcraft. Danforth interrogates, “ There is abundant evidence in our lands to show that you have given yourself to the readings of fortunes. Do you deny it”(3.1.1-4). Another definition of Crucible is an extreme test or trial. Martha Cory is on trial for her life as she denies committing sorcery. In addition to physical trials, many morals and personal values are tested throughout Salem. John Procter after refusing to sign his confession proclaims,“Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”(4.1. 290). Throughout the novel, Procter struggles to overcome his sins. He is at war with himself for wanting to live by betraying his friends. Many puritans are incapable of balancing their moral values and what is needed to
survive.
Finally, like the chemical reactions that occur in a crucible, the people and elements at work undergo a series of changes that cannot be undone. Many characters and their personalities are changed as a result of the witch trials. The stage directions state,“It is Mr. Hale. He is different now. Drawn a little, and there is a quality of deference, even guilt about his manner now”(Act. scene.line#s 166). When he first came to Salem Hale was eager to find witchcraft, but now his conscience is heavy with the innocent people he committed. Also connecting with puritan values a crucible can be used to purify a substance. In Salem through the witch trials, townspeople hope to purify the population of Salem by freeing it of witches. Danforth Proclaims,“ We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment” (Act. scene. line#s). In court, the officers claim to be eroding the lies and leaving only truth. However the fire that the court burns only causes layers of lies. The very foundation of puritan beliefs are tarnished by such sins of deceit. A Crucible symbolizes the chemical changes in the lives of people and society.
In conclusion, The Crucible is a fitting name for the novel because it symbolically represents the town of Salem, the trials, and change. Arthur Miller spend one whole year to write his play. In The Crucible, Miller makes many references to McCarthyism. Modern American society is often referred to as a melting pot. Perhaps some day it too will boil over.