Why is Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible', so called?

A crucible is a a severe test or a place or situation in which concentrated forces interact to cause or influence change or development. This relates to the play The Crucible because the witchcraft trials tested the morality of the individuals affected by these trials. The Salem Witchcraft Trials also tested the ability of individuals to deal with unusual, immoral, and trying situtations such as these. So under such pressure, an individual's true character is often revealed. For example, Hale is revealed to be a caring person, Danforth a ruthless judge, and Parris, a selfish man.