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Who Is Giles Corey Mature In The Crucible

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A crucible can be a severe test, related to patience or belief; a trial. By the same token, the word “crucible” can also be laboratory equipment used to heat chemical compounds to very high temperatures of the melt metal. As a matter of fact, the previous definition can be used as a metaphor for the inordinate hysteria in Salem during the witch trials; with all the residents of Salem cooped up in such a small village, there were bound to be some hot headed people. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, everything and everyone is either of God or of the Devil; dissent is not merely unlawful- it is Satanic. Giles Corey’s, a resident of Salem, development from a bold foolish man to a courageous one after his wife’s trial shows his true persona.
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When he finally comes to his senses, about what he has done, he is filled with remorse and guilt. Giles morals and loyalty for those he loves and cares for are tested. In court, Giles testifies that Thomas Putnam instructed his daughter to cry witchcraft on George Jacobs so Putnam could have his land. However, Giles refuses to give his source because he knows they will surely go to jail; this is revealed when Giles reasons, "He’ll lay in jail if I give his name!" When Giles takes a stand against the court, he is acting as a voice of reason; while everyone is caught up in the madness, Giles realizes what will happen if he gives his friend's name away. In fact, Giles feels remorse and complete self-hatred for accidentally turning in his wife. This feeling of self-reproach is expressed when Giles explains, "I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife's name once and I'll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute”. Similarly, Giles is later regarded as a hero when he chooses to die before answering to his indictment. Elizabeth retells the story of how, in another instance of challenging the court's authority, Giles explained, "…if he denied the charge they'd hang him surely, and auction out his property. So he stand mute, and died Christian under the law. And so his sons will have his farm." Giles knew that he would be in trouble if he opened his mouth. Ironically, Giles remained mute throughout the trial, seeing he knew that if he did not testify, he would not be sentenced to death or have his property forfeited. Sadly, the court then decided to lay hefty stones on his chest until he pleaded aye or nay. As Elizabeth recalls, "He give them but two

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