Final answer:
In 'The Crucible,' 'coldness' metaphorically describes the characters' emotionally distant and suspicious demeanor.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, the term "coldness" is used to describe b) The demeanor of the characters. Throughout the play, characters exhibit emotional coldness and distance in their interactions, which reflects the fear and suspicion that permeate the community of Salem during the witch trials. This metaphorical use of temperature to express emotional states is common in literature, where authors often use descriptive words like "coldness" to suggest not just a physical state but an emotional one.