Literary Essay: The Crucible
Honors/Pre-IB English II
Mr. Moccia
Using one of the following prompts, construct a complex, clear, and well-argued essay of 10001200 words.
1. Fear in the Play
 In his article, Arthur Miller tells us that The Crucible explores how fear operates
within society. (see article)
 What is the play saying about fear in society? How does the play explore fear
within society? Write an essay in which you answer one or both of these
questions. Use the play as your main evidence.
2. Language of the Play
 In his article, Arthur Miller discusses his fascination with the language of the
Puritans. The style of the play is extremely integral to the play’s message and
power. (see article)
 Write an essay in which you discuss and explore the importance of the language
of the play. How does the style affect the message and power of the play?
3. Social Order vs. Individual Freedom
 For any society to operate in an orderly fashion, it necessarily limits human
freedom. Miller discusses this in the introduction of his play. (see play)
 Which freedoms is it good to give up for social order, and which freedoms must
society leave free? Write an essay in which you argue for how the play answers
this question. Be sure to use the play as your evidence.
4. Modern Intolerance
 The intolerance in The Crucible can seem irrational and even unrealistic.
However, there are comparable examples of intolerance in today’s societies.
 Write an essay in which you compare and contrast the intolerance from The
Crucible with a modern example of intolerance. Be sure to have a concrete,
complex thesis.
5. Modern Scapegoating
 Although we would like to believe that the scapegoating during the Salem Witch
trials and the Red Scare wouldn’t happen today, this is clearly not the case.
Perhaps humans are genetically predisposed to blaming others; perhaps society
teaches us to do this.
 Write an essay in which you research and study a modern example of
scapegoating. Be sure to answer the following questions: Who is the scapegoat?
What is the scapegoat blamed for? How is the scapegoat blamed? Why is the
scapegoat blamed? Although it doesn’t need to be your focus, be sure to compare
and contrast this scapegoating with that which happens in The Crucible.
6. Personal Choice
 Create your own argument. It must be related to the play, indirectly or directly. I
recommend running your argument by me if you pick this option. However, don’t
take this as a determent. I would much rather you write on a topic in which you
are interested.
Requirements:
 1000-1200 words
 Thesis-driven
 Copious citing of the play or research (mostly weaving, although a few “longer” citations
are OK; no “block quoting”)
 At least one citation from Miller’s article
 MLA formatting
 All formal writing: no personals, you’s, contractions, slang, etc.
 Work’s Cited page
 Due date: Nov 30