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 Webster’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 The 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?” Proctor: “No” Danforth: “Did you ever see her sister Mary Easty with the Devil?” Proctor: “No, I did not.” Danforth: “Did you ever see anyone with the Devil?” Proctor: “I did not.” Pg 140

crucible The 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.

page 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 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 Definition: dictionary.com and merriam-webster.com Pictures: clipart, industrialmetalcasting.com, library.wustl.edu, inkpot.com, istockphoto.com and industrialmetalcasting.com

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