Arthur Miller always intended The crucible to be an allegory, and the play's setting (Salem in 1692) and title (referring to both a large pottery tool employed in the firing of pots and the Catholic ritual of recanting sin by dipping oneself in water) establish this from the very beginning.
Explanation:
#1. The play's setting is Salem, Massachusetts - a Puritanical society which forces its citizens under strict rules such as mandatory church attendance or being punished for what could have been considered minor crimes,e.g., not going to church leads someone to spend a month in prison! A combination of strong governance combined with strong belief led many people discontent with their roles in society to rebel against accepted customs.
