The first definition of the word crucible is a pot made of porcelain that can be heated to high temperatures, …show more content…
There were many times when Proctor could have given up altogether and broken to pieces like a pot. Instead, Proctor kept himself together throughout the witch trials. “Proctor: [His eyes full of tears.] I can. And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of good in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs” (1112). In this quote, Proctor says that he can hang and will, rather than dirty his name and let the court officials break him. He could have confessed to witchcraft to save his life. Instead, he chose to die for what he believed in. The predicament that took place in Salem in 1692 could also be seen as a test for the citizens of the …show more content…
In Salem, everyone’s faith was tested as the town was put through the gruesome trials. The people of Salem either chose to grasp their faith even more in their times of trouble or question it because of the awful things they were experiencing. “Proctor: I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man. My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man. Nothing’s spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long before” (1106). In this passage, Proctor is struggling with his faith after being put through many difficult and troubling situations. Proctor made the tough decision of admitting in court to his crime of lechery. By confessing his sin, Proctor thought the situation in Salem could be resolved. Rather the ending the conflict, Proctor ended up in jail. Instead of questioning their faith, some people held on to it even more during the witch