the use of the term "crucible" in the play The Crucible

The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, is a play based on the events that took place in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The play is based on the real-life witch trials that happened there, and the prosecution of innocent people brought upon by hysteria. The title of the play being The Crucible, the term “crucible” is never actually mentioned. The word crucible, in simplest terms, means “a trial.” Although the play is based around a series of court-trials, Miller chose it as the title to mean a severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial within oneself. Many of the characters in The Crucible face difficult decisions, or crucibles, piecing together the story.
The first crucible to take place is concerning John Proctor, the protagonist of the play. John has brought Mary Warren, his servant, to the court to admit that all the accusations of witchcraft have been pretense. John is accused of trying to overthrow the court but he says his only interest is in freeing his ...