SYMBOLISM

Dictionary.com defines symbolism as: the

practice of representing things by symbols,

or of investing things with a symbolic

meaning or character.

SYMBOLISM IN THE CRUCIBLE

CRUCIBLE

W

ebster’s dictionary defines crucible as a

vessel of a very refractory material (as

porcelain) used for melting and calcining a

substance that requires a high degree of

heat

CRUCIBLE

T

he second definition given by Webster’s

dictionary defines a crucible a severe

test.

“

Mr. Proctor when the Devil came to you did you see Rebecca Nurse in his company? Come man take

courage did you ever see her with the Devil?”

P

roctor: “No”

D

anforth: “Did you ever see her sister Mary Easty with the Devil?”

P

roctor: “No, I did not.”

D

anforth: “Did you ever see anyone with the Devil?”

P

roctor: “I did not.”

P

g 140

CRUCIBLE

T

he third definition given by Webster’s

defines a crucible as a place or situation in

which concentrated forces interact to

cause or influence change or development.

p

age 114…

“

Abigail with a weird, chilling cry, screams up to the

ceiling. Abigail pointing with fear is now raising up

awed face toward the ceiling-all the girls doing the

same. Then they all copy what Mary Warren says

this is about the scene with the yellow bird.”

CRUCIBLE

The final definition given by Webster’s

describes a crucible as the hollow part at

the bottom of a furnace where molten

metal collects

“

The deputy Governor promise hangin’ if they‘ll not confess,

John. The town’s gone wild, I think. She speak of Abigail,

and I thought she were a saint, to hear her. Abigail brings

the other girls into the court, and where she walks the

crowd will part like the sea for Israel. And Folks are

brought before them, and if they scream and howl and fall

to the floor-the person’s clapped in the jail for bewitchin’

them.” Pg 52

SOURCES

D

efinition: dictionary.com and merriam-webster.com

P

ictures: clipart, industrialmetalcasting.com,

library.wustl.edu, inkpot.com, istockphoto.com and

industrialmetalcasting.com

Works CitedM

erriam-Webster, Incorporated, comp. "Crucible." Merriam-Webster.com. Merrian-Webster, Incorporated. Web. 12 Oct. 2010.