Why is the play called the Crucible? Webster and his book the dictionary defines a ‘crucible’ as, “A container in which metals are heated, involving a change. A severe test or trial.” Author Miller in his play, uses the title ’The Crucible’ as an analogy for the situation. The actual container- the crucible, is the town of Salem Massachusetts. The contents of the container are the people of Salem, the emotions and feelings of these people are what change. The events that take place in the town are what fuel and heat the people’s emotions and are w