Honors English 11
Name ____________________________________
The Crucible: Literary Analysis Essay
 Directions: Choose ONE of the essay prompts/topics below and write a 2-page literary analysis.
o MLA Formatting is a must.
 Include a works cited page!
o Include multiple quotes and textual evidence from The Crucible. Cite accordingly.
o See handout on literary analysis and Writing Guide for typed papers
Possible Essay Topics
1. Despite the Puritan background of the citizens of Salem, it seems as though almost every
character tells a lie at one time or another throughout The Crucible. What specific role does
dishonesty play in The Crucible?
2. Fear and faith are both powerful forces at work in Salem. In your opinion, what does The
Crucible say or suggest about the relationship between faith and fear?
3. Many characters in The Crucible seem preoccupied with the status and maintenance of their
reputations. What impact does the presence of this reputation-centered mentality have
on the evolution of the trials?
*You are strongly encouraged to develop your own questions to write about. Feel free to choose a
topic that interests you! If you have your own topic that you would like to write about, clear it
with me first. Make sure you begin with an open-ended question that you can construct an
argument about.
Prewriting:
You will choose a topic to analyze, develop your own questions and construct a working
thesis. The thesis should be specific, and should make an argument! based on your
own reading of the text. You will propose your thesis to me, and bring in a rough draft.
See dates below:
Thesis due: November 2nd, 2015
Rough draft due: November 6th, 2015
Final copy due: November 9th, 2015