Look up the meaning of the word which constitutes the title of the play, "crucible", and give a dictionary definition. How appropriate do you consider the title to be? Write a paragraph in answer, referring to one of the play's themes to justify your response.

There are many reasons as to why the crucible by Arthur Miller is named what it is, and it also has a more deep meaning behind it.The dictionary definition of a crucible is firstly; A ceramic or metal container in which metals or other substances may be melted or subjected to very high temperatures, and secondly, a place or occasion of serve test or trial.  I think that this title is somewhat appropriate, as it shows what the characters in the play went through in more of a metaphorical meaning, in comparison to its actual definition of a container. As mentioned previously, a crucible is a small container used to super heat objects for purification, and also to trial and test. The characters in the play go through some very difficult tests, and also the crucible cleanses things, and in this case could be related to the fact that the church and the court are trying to cleanse the community from the devil and all evil, as well as the witches.  A crucible container is also used to heat things up, and this is exactly what happens throughout the story line of the Crucible in Salem. The village/town is constantly having trouble stirred,  rumours being started, and innocent people being blamed, portraying and demonstrating the theme of hysteria. The metaphorical meaning of a crucible is most definitely shown in the play The Crucible and it can be understood why this title is appropriate.  

The connection between the McCarthy Era and the play 'The Crucible'

The McCarthy era and The Crucible may not seem like they have anything to do with each other, however, this is not true. When looked into, there are many similarities between the two. The first is the idea in both of how innocent people are being blamed for things they didn't do, as a result of hysteria and when something goes wrong. No one would stand up to these accusations because they were scared of the outcome until the issue was taken too far, much like Abigail in the Crucible. As a result of no one standing up for themselves in the McCarthy era (the same for the crucible), many were effected to a great extent. The accusations in Salem led too executions of many, and even though none were killed in the McCarthy era, in America numerous careers where permanently ruined and people were imprisoned.  These communists who were imprisoned were ostracised like the witches in Salem. There are many ideas in the play The Crucible that relate to the McCarthy era, and Miller is most definitely pointing out the echoes that he finds still in existence in the America of his time.

POINTED NOTES: What is the connection between the McCarthy era and the play?

Notes:

• The idea of blaming other innocent people came from McCarthy in the same sort of context as in the Crucible. 
• Links between characters, HUAC is like the girls in the trial, communists are like the witches, Hollywood ten are like those who refuse to confess.
• Both a result of hysteria
• Once someone was accused the could not escape it
• If you confessed you had to then name other people
• No one was willing to stand up against Abigail or McCarthy until they took it to far
• Blaming others when something goes wrong
• The accusations in Salem led to executions and in America careers were permanently ruined or other people were imprisoned
• The group of communists were ostracised like the witches were
• Miller is pointing out the echoes that he finds still in existence in the America of his time. 

Is John Proctor a hero or not? We have debated this in class. Now choose the most effective point in the argument for or against and write a paragraph on this point with a really effective topic sentence and evidence from the play in support. Include at least one correctly punctuated quotation.

In the play The Crucible written by Arthur Miller, one of the main characters is John Proctor, and some are unsure that he would be considered a hero or not, however, he is certainly not one. By dictionary definition, a hero is one,  typically a man, who is admired for courage or noble qualities the chief male charter in a book, play or movie, which is typically identified with good qualities. These qualities may include being selfless, trutheful and courageous. This is most certainly the opposite of John Proctor.  When Johns actions are looked at as a whole throughout the whole play, they are almost villain like. Firstly, he disregards his religion and is unfaithful. John Proctor rarely comes to church as he is too busy 'farming' on sundays, some of his sons aren't even baptised, and he also FORGOT some of the ten commandments when reciting them. Not only is he not faithful to God, he is also unfaithful to his WIFE! John Proctor not only once, but countless time cheats on his wife in a long lasting affair with Abigail, practically still a child living in the village. John Proctor quotes in the play "God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance. . . .". A real hero does firstly not cheat on his wife and his loved ones, and secondly, a hero does not call people such disgraceful names like 'whore'. John Proctor is also certainly a hero, as hero's a selfless, courageous, and he is definitely not. In the play, he states merely before his death "How may I live without my name?". Selfish is the only word that he can be described as. In the end of the story line, he is faced with the decision to live with a lie, still being able to support his family, his pregnant wife, or die, knowing he isn't lying, abandoning everyone, and somewhat giving up. This is most certainly not being selfless, one of the main characteristics and qualities one must display to be considered a hero.  It is clear evident that John Proctor is an unfaithful, non-religious, selfish and heartless man. 

Script between characters - By Emma, Camille & Anais

Camille: This is getting out of hand

Emma: People are dying and its all our fault

Anais: No, it’s Abigail’s.

Camille: Yes, she was the one who made us lie! She drank the chicken blood!

Emma: Well we can’t tell on her without getting in trouble as well.

Camille: I don’t want to get hanged!

Anais: Well what’s the point of living with these lies if we are going to be damned to hell for them anyway?

Emma: This has gone too far

Camille: There is nothing we can do anymore. We have to keep this up and hope that it does not go much further.

Anais: No one is safe anymore! For all you know tomorrow your mothers could be on trial

Emma: But that would be more likely if we defy Abigail.

Camille: Exactly, so we have to keep on her side if we want to be safe and keep our loved ones safe as well.

Emma: So we agree? We have to keep this up.

Anais: Innocent people are dying!

Camille: Do you want to be one of them?

Anais: No

Emma: Then you will not tell the truth okay?

Anais: Fine

Camille: Right settled then.

Why do you think John Proctor decides to confess? Why does he change his mind? Give evidence for both your answers

At first, it is thought that because John wanted to live, he would most definitely confess to witchcraft, especially considering Elizabeth is pregnant and has other children, whom he wants to be alive and there for. He asks his wife if they are healthy and how the unborn child is going. However, as they deepen in conversation, John becomes unsure of his decision.  He decides to confess, however after writing the paper, he changes his mind as he does not want to be living his life in a lie, it is too much of a sin.  Evidence of this is shown in Act four:
Hatherone cries, “He will confess! Proctor will confess!” 
which is followed by John Proctor replying:
“Why do you cry it? It is evil, is it not? It is evil.”
He is at this stage now very uncertain at what choice he is going to make, and looks to his wife for guidance, however, she replies 'I cannot judge you, John". 
He then decides to confess, and sign the paper, finally understanding what Elizabeth was trying to say to him, which was that he shouldn't not and cannot be able to live with himself lying, and thus stick to the truth and his beliefs, even if it means he will be hanged. 

Re-read the final scene between John and Elizabeth. Elizabeth refuses to advise her husband but she clearly has a point of view on his situation. In her heart, what does want him to do? What would she say to him if she could?

In the final scene, Elizabeth refuses to advise her husband but clear she has a point of view in this situation. In her heart, she wants him to truly confess, because she loves him and doesn't want him dead, and even though they seem like a dull couple. She knows however that if he does confess he won't be able to forgive and they may even become an even worse couple. She does not want him dead, but also doesn't want him to be living a lie.