Monday, September 8, 2014

I am writing an essay on how the title The Crucible fits the theme of Arthur Miller's play. Can you help me find a hook?

There are two basic definitions of the word "crucible" which make it an excellent choice for the title of the play.  The first one is :  n. A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial.  The second definition is also a noun : a vessel made of material that does not melt easily; used for high temperature chemical reactions.

The military (Marine Corps, I think) also has something they call the crucible to test the will and strength of bootcamp members.  It's meant to be both mentally, emotionally, and physically taxing.

Since the play deals with both a trial of patience and belief (and a literal trial with judge and jury)  as well as a situation that is destined to explode with hot tempers and reactions, there is definitely something to use here for your hook.

You could begin your essay with something like this: 

Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, has a most appropriate title. A "crucible" is either a container meant to house chemicals at high temperature or a trial of patience and belief.  The play continually raises heated debates of people who discuss the themes of the moral choice, justice and injustice, truth and lie, trials of the innocently accused person, witchcraft, evil powers vs. good ones. There is much explosion of emotion and just as much trial of patience and belief taking place in this aptly named play.

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