Symbolism

AP English Language

Per. 4 2-4-15

Crucible Symbolism

Symbolism often gives novels, plays, and works profound, deep meaning. Even the slightest raise of birds wings or by the unusual color of its elongated beak, symbols lie all around.  They do not create the plot but function as building blocks for important themes and ideas. In a The Crucible by Arthur Miller symbols are evident in every scene; some more peculiar that others. During the reign of terror many now call the Salem Witch Trials, evil brewed in even the slightest breathe of Salem’s many inhabitants. The symbolism in this play helps the audience to recognize where the true evil lies, and where innocence is often found. During Miller’s time McCarthyism was prevalent because of the detestable Cold War. The symbolism isn’t just here to present a picture of the Salem Witch Trials but to also paint a picture of the indiscretions during the Cold War.

            A critical symbol in the play is the poppet. Some point during the play a needle is inserted in the poppet for safekeeping. Later we come to find this poppet, and its owner, are accused of witchcraft. The poppet represents the nature of the woman holding it. At first innocent, for fun even. But later it is come to view that the poppet is an omen. It symbolized a dire future. The sticking of the needle represented the soon to come fertilization of something evil. Innocence lost, spoiled, degraded by just the smallest prick. The doll was a warning of the dark future that was to come. It also reflected how easily a person during the Cold War was to be accused of Communism. Not children, not neighbors, not family could be trusted and what did it avail? The innocence amongst thousands being lost or stolen to the cruel unfair attacks on people figures that bred during that time.

            Another important symbol is the rain. In many scenes and sections of the play, it is or seemingly will be raining. The rain is ominous and represents a sad and oppressive force. The rain represents not only the church during this time of panic but also represents the government Miller experienced during America’s time of crisis. Both caused people to gather when they otherwise wouldn’t, both hang over the heads of people not discriminating between those found guilty and those found just, passing judgment on any whom are deemed fit even those unfit. Also like the rain the symbols build up over time, creating more suspense to an already broiling conflict.

Towards the ending while John Proctor and his wife stand overlooking the ocean a symbol is found once again. This is not physically depicted, but id effectively implied. In a town of sinners and ruin, one must find a way to wash their sins and receive beneficial judgment from the lord the praise as almighty. Proctor a man who would not sell out is name (on paper) or leave this heavenly earth without “teaching his sons to walk as men’ would wash away his sins. In this last moment the ocean is an effective symbol in relieving him of all his troubles. The ocean is Proctors bible, his cross and his lord. Overlooking his sins, passing judgment on all of his actions. It was there for it all and now as the time comes, it will reveal to Proctor what need be done. Proctor would give himself up to crimes he did not commit.

Symbols express the author’s most important ideas, whether criticizing, analyzing or revealing the truth they are usually very important factors. They build suspense, create emotions, and even help to distract the audience temporarily from their own daily practices to a new life or one they might not have even realized existed.  Salem had its unfortunate period of McCarthyism far before the Cold War but the themes were all the same. Finger pointing and evasive tactics led the way for a town and eventually a nation. The symbols used help to express to time frames at once while giving way to the unfortunate truth that was once our nation.