The answer is: figure out meaning based on what you already know and what the text says
To infer something from the passage, you need to read it and able to understand the meaning of the passage without actually put too much focus on the passage.
Passage inference could be considered as a reading skills. This usually tested when you do an SAT test to measure how much information you can gather from reading a certain text within a short period of time.
In this drama, a crucible would represent the constant building action leading to the climax of the pot. Similar to the contents of a crucible, the characters seem to be constantly enduring severe trials; in this case, the witching trials. The crucible would, in my opinion, symbolize the town itself and its residents the contents. The symbolism of this suggests a theme of the townspeople going through the witching trials and coming out with a "refined" lesson. The unnecessary accusations and trials will teach a hard lesson to the people who live within the town and influence their future.
Hope this can help you out some!!
