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Questions and Answers
What is the meaning of the title 'The Crucible'?
What is the meaning of the title 'The Crucible'?
A crucible is a pot in which metals are heated to a very high temperature or melted and base metals are separated out. The title metaphorically represents the town of Salem and the Witch Hunts, where the community reaches a 'melting point' amidst the hysteria.
What does Danforth mean by 'We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment.'?
What does Danforth mean by 'We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment.'?
This line refers to the purpose of the trials, which expose lies and hypocrisy, revealing people's true selves.
What kind of government was present in The Crucible?
What kind of government was present in The Crucible?
The government was a theocracy where the church and state were one, and moral laws were intertwined with state laws.
How does intolerance manifest in Salem?
How does intolerance manifest in Salem?
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What role does religious fanaticism play in The Crucible?
What role does religious fanaticism play in The Crucible?
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What is a major theme related to fear in The Crucible?
What is a major theme related to fear in The Crucible?
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What does conflict with self mean in the context of The Crucible?
What does conflict with self mean in the context of The Crucible?
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What does John Proctor mean by 'I have given you my soul; leave me my name!'?
What does John Proctor mean by 'I have given you my soul; leave me my name!'?
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What strategy does Abigail use to shift the burden of guilt from herself?
What strategy does Abigail use to shift the burden of guilt from herself?
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What does Proctor confess in an attempt to expose Abigail?
What does Proctor confess in an attempt to expose Abigail?
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What does Rev. Hale mean by 'There is a misty plot afoot so subtle...'?
What does Rev. Hale mean by 'There is a misty plot afoot so subtle...'?
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Study Notes
Title Significance
- "The Crucible" refers to a pot where metals are heated to separate impurities, symbolizing Salem's intense scrutiny during the witch trials.
- Salem's strict Puritan community acts as the 'container', bringing them to a boiling point of hysteria and suspicion.
Metaphor Reference
- Danforth notes, "We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment," highlighting the trials' role in revealing personal hypocrisy and truth.
Government Structure
- Theocracy in Salem merges church and state, enforcing strict Puritanism where moral and civil laws are indistinguishable.
- Public perception of sin ties closely to individual reputations, impacting community dynamics.
Intolerance
- Salem operates on a binary belief system where individuals are either aligned with God or allied with the devil.
- Danforth's quote emphasizes a dangerous ultimatum: "a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it."
Religious Fanaticism
- Fear of evil fuels hysteria, making once-respected community members suspects of witchcraft due to rampant fanaticism.
Fear and Hysteria
- The overarching fear of supernatural forces leads characters to ignore logic, propelling the witch trials and unjust convictions.
Internal Conflict
- Characters face tension between personal beliefs and societal pressures; John Proctor represents struggle against rigid Puritan norms.
- Proctor seeks redemption through his integrity and choice to maintain his honor, even at the cost of his life.
Proctor's Declaration
- Proctor's assertion, "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" emphasizes his fight for personal integrity amidst chaos.
Abigail's Manipulation
- Abigail feigns a confession, positioning herself as a victim while accusing others to deflect blame and manipulate the court.
Proctor's Confession
- Proctor claims, "A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything," indicating his late realization of the consequences of his actions, which leads to tragic outcomes.
Reverend Hale's Observation
- Hale recognizes the deceptive nature of the trials, expressing concern over the dangerous implications of blind loyalty to established norms.
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Description
Explore the key themes of Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible' through these flashcards. Each card provides essential definitions and insights into the play's intricate metaphor and societal implications. Perfect for students looking to deepen their understanding of this dramatic narrative.
