The crucible introduction by Mareia Farag

definition of a crucible and why it inspired the name of the play

99053897 — 2023-11-15 01:47:22 UTC

A crucible is used in laboratories to melt things like porcelain, alumina, or inert metals. A crucible is made of either metal or ceramic and is put under extreme heat to melt the substances down. After a while of intense heat and pressure, the substance separates into good material and dirt. The dirt will proceed to float to the top and can be easily seen. The play, known as the crucible, was specifically named that because during the Salem witch trials, people showed their true selves. Under intense pressure, fear, and pure selfishness, people living in Salem would melt down and their true selves would float to the surface for everyone to see. People often threw other residents under the bus for their own good even though they were thought to be friends.

What inspired Arthur Miller to write the crucible?

99053897 — 2023-11-15 02:05:01 UTC

During the 1950’s was the time of the McCarthyism. Also known as the second red scare, this was a time when Joseph McCarthy was suspecting a spread of communism in America and wanted to abolish it completely. During harsh trials, people were asked to give names of people involved in the communist party. If they didn’t get names or they were found to have the slightest connection to the communist party they would be fired from their jobs and loose everything. Similarly to the Salem witch trials, during the McCarthyism trials people would throw others under the bus for their own good. Arthur Miller recognized this as pattern in history as it reminded him of the Salem witch trials. Miller then did loads of research on the witch trials to create an accurate play based on the trails. He wrote this play to send a message to society so they can wake up and realize whats really going on. Once the play was published, people were terrified to go and watch it thinking it would result in them becoming a future suspect so it didn't do good at first, but now its one of the most popular and easily recognizable plays ever made.

What the crucible is about

99053897 — 2023-11-15 02:16:08 UTC

The crucible is a historical fiction play about the Salem witch trials from 1692. The Salem witch trials is a moment in history that took place in Salem, Massachusetts when a mass hysteria over Witches and the Devils work erupted and spread everywhere. The fear over witches started when women started to act strange, almost as if they were possessed by something. People started to fear for their lives as others were prisoned and executed for being accused of being involved in Witch-craft. The play shows how most people will ruin others without hesitation when it comes to their own lives and reputations. During the real Salem witch trials 25 innocent men, women, and children died because someone told a lie bout them for their own good.

The rise of popularity of the crucible

99053897 — 2023-11-15 02:34:13 UTC

When the Crucible was first published and starting to preform it started as super unpopular. This is cause people thought that if they watched the play, they would be associated with communism. After the second red scare situation started to die down, more and more people went to go watch the play and many found a love for it. over time the play continued to grow much more popular and well-known as it expresses themes such as justice, reputation, hysteria, intolerance, and empowerment. All of these themes are seen in every day life and all throughout human history so people are likely to find a love and deep connection with the play and its performance. The play has inspired many popular movies and tv series today which helped to sprout it growth. Til today, its still one of the most popular and well-known plays.

The crucibles outline

99053897 — 2023-11-15 02:37:55 UTC

The crucible play consists of Four acts and a cast of around 90 to pull this play all together. The costumes used for the play are extremely outdated considering that the Salem witch trials took place during 1692. Im not sure if its a mobile set or doesn't move, but i imagine the set to resemble a courthouse and or village. The performance and set of the play would likely vary based on who is preforming but all follow a similar outline to preform the most authentic version of the crucible. Many broadway productions and schools have preformed the crucible since its still a super popular play and its super fun to produce and preform.