Name:______________________________ Thompson—The Crucible
DIRECTIONS: Over the weekend, I would like you to craft your introduction. The two items I must see are a hook and a thesis. A thesis does not need to be the last sentence of an introduction, but it must be present. Here is a list of some possible essay topics for The Crucible:
- Discuss the symbolic executions of Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor.
- How do the narrative sections add to the play? In other words, what is their purpose? How would your judgment of what is happening on stage be different without these narrative sections?
- One idea Arthur Miller tries to convey through The Crucible is how private conscience cannot be divorced from public action. Explain how one (1) character in the play tries to separate private conscience from public action and the consequences that ensue. Also, cite one (1) example from more modern times where this has occurred and discuss the result.
- Discuss the role that grudges and personal rivalries play in the witch trial hysteria.
- How is the caste system of Salem upended? In other words, how do the witch trials empower the powerless?
- Discuss the role of Reverend Hale in the drama and the change he undergoes.
- Discuss how the themes of The Crucible make it both universal and enduring. Is there any character in the play that, too, is universal (anyone that we can pick up and place in modern society)? Please note, this means that that he/she would have to have the personality to function in a modern society.
- Several literary scholars see Mary Warren as a cipher. They claim that she is a nonentity because the reader only sees her as a pawn of Abigail, and then of Proctor, and then again of Abigail. Who is the "real" Mary Warren? What is her function in the play?
- In Act IV, Reverend Hale states, "Life is God's most precious gift; no principle, however glorious, may justify the taking of it." Using specific references to the text (e.g., characters, events, or viewpoints), agree or disagree with Hale's perspective and defend your position.
- The Crucible is famous as a political allegory for the Red Scare, but what exactly is Miller trying to say? Who do you think is being most criticized in the contemporary analogy?
- Topic of Choice: MUST BE APPROVED BY ME
Here is a sample OUTLINE (If you don't like mine, create your own):
- INTRODUCTION
Hook (How will you get the reader interested in reading this essay? Story from your own life? Hypothetical situation? Intriguing question? Other interesting start? This should seem to you almost like a piece of creative writing)
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