crucible test

verbal irony

speaker says something different than what they mean

dramatic irony

when the audience knows something about which the character or characters are unaware

situational irony

involves a discrepancy between expectation and reality

what is the climax in the crucible?

when proctor rips up his confession

allegory

a story, poem, or picture that can be interpreted to reveal a hidden meaning, typically a moral or political one

what were the different time periods for Salem and Washington?

1692 Salem; 1950s Washington D.C.

what were the primary fears for Salem and Washington?

Witchcraft & the Devil; Communism & Soviet infiltration

what were the triggering events for Salem and Washington?

Strange behavior among young girls and local tensions; Cold War tensions, Soviet espionage

who were the main accusers for Salem and Washington?

Abigail Williams; Senator Joseph McCarthy

what evidence was used for Salem and Washington?

Hearsay, forced confessions, spectral evidence; Guilt by association, rumors, blacklists

what were the consequences for Salem and Washington?

20 executed, many imprisoned, lives ruined; Careers destroyed, blacklists, imprisonments

what is a crucible (literal meaning)

a vessel, typically made of ceramic or metal, designed to withstand extreme heat for melting materials

what is a crucible? (metaphorical meaning)

a difficult, defining experience that tests characters or triggers change

what is the crucible in the book?

Salem 1691

what is placed in the crucible?

people of Salem (especially the accused)

what is the “fire” that surrounds it?

the accusations, trials, sentences, and executions

what is the outcome?

people were shown for who they really were; some came out better (Proctor, Rebecca Nurse), some came out worse (Abigail, Parris)