The play's title is a reference to fire, in that a "crucible" is a vessel made to withstand extremely high temperatures. The symbol of fire is a potent one for this play because burning was a prominent method of execution of accused witches during the European witch trials (witches in North America were hanged). In the opening scene of Nicholas Hytner's film version, the girls dance around a fire in a cauldron; this scene is...
The play's title is a reference to fire, in that a "crucible" is a vessel made to withstand extremely high temperatures. The symbol of fire is a potent one for this play because burning was a prominent method of execution of accused witches during the European witch trials (witches in North America were hanged). In the opening scene of Nicholas Hytner's film version, the girls dance around a fire in a cauldron; this scene is adapted from the play's descriptions of the "dancing in the woods" led by Tituba, after which Betty Parris fell ill and catalyzed the rumors of witchcraft.
Reverend Parris tells Abigail he saw Tituba waving her arms over the fire when he discovered them in the woods. The play suggests early on that Tituba may end up being blamed for the witchcraft, but in an emotional scene she accepts God and renounces her earlier temptation by the devil. In this way, suspicion falls on the girls who were there, and they conspire to ruin the elders of the town.
Some characters mention fire in connection to the fires of hell; in fact, hell is mentioned numerous times throughout the play. The imagery of hell and that of eternal damnation is often portrayed as a fiery pit, constantly burning. Fire is the punishment that might befall either those accused of witchcraft, or those who engage in false accusations, as when Giles Corey says:
"I mentioned my wife's name once and I'll burn in hell long enough for that."
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