Definition of "Crucible"

The definition of crucible is "A severe test, as of patience or belief; a trial" (dictionary.reference.com). This applies to the book because the main act (act III) is when the trial involving John Proctor occurs. Along with all of the other members of the town that were put on trial, he was accused of being involved with witchcraft. His beliefs kept him at this point from going insane. This trial brought him to being imprisoned for months. Not only during the trial, but afterward, John himself was put to the test of sanity where he died for something he didn't do. He refused to sign his name to the papers naming his guilt to witchcraft. This trial of his sanity, however, brought him to his death by hanging.