A crucible in reality is a device, not unlike a cauldron, used to separate metal from ore by heat, however Arthur Miller titled his book, The Crucible, in order to indicate how people under intense pressure to confess their sins were altered by the experience. When it was over, those who had personal integrity were revealed, like a precious metal refined in a crucible, while other characters were found to be composed of "base metal". Some characters in the play changed due to what they had to undergo during the play and some did not. In the following paragraphs, three characters are discussed: John Proctor, who changes during the course of the play, Reverend Hale, who also changes, and Abigail Williams who does not change.
The most profound change amongst the characters occurs with the star of the play, John Procter. He could be described at the beginning of the play by the word "guilty".
Symphonic black metal band Abigail Williams playin...
The Crucible (1996 film)
Fireboard: The Great Gale of 1846. Oil on wood. Ma...He feels guilty because of the affair he had with Abigail. This is revealed during the conversation that he has with her in Act 1 when he says "Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I'll ever reach for you again." At the end of the play, John Proctor could be described by the word "redeemed". This is revealed during the scene where he has torn up his signed confession and says ""æI do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor"æ".
Reverend Hale also undergoes a fairly profound change during the play. Reverend Hale could be described at the beginning of the play by the word "righteous". This is proven in his first scene, where he is positive that he can determine if there are demonic influences on...