ESSAY ASSIGNMENT: THEMES IN THE CRUCIBLE
STEP ONE: Choose one of the topics below:
1. Discuss how characters in The Crucible justify their acts of cruelty by calling it righteousness. What does
Miller seem to be suggesting about human nature through this?
2. Discuss the contrast between characters who seek justice and characters who seek either revenge or
retribution.
What does Miller seem to be saying about human nature through this?
3. Discuss the contrast between the characters who are godly and the characters who are worldly. What does
Miller seem to be saying about human nature through all this?
4. Discuss the characters who speak or act out of ignorance and those who seekthe truth and/or speak or act
out of wisdom. What does Miller seem to be saying about human nature through all this?
5. Define the meaning of the word “crucible” and discuss how it relates to the meaning of the play. Discuss at
least three different characters, and use lots of specifics for support.
6. Trace the development of Reverend Hale’s character. Use specific examples to support your assertions
about how he changes. You should make note of at least three critical points during the course of the play for
the man.
7. The Salem witchcraft trials resulted in the destruction of a society. Describe the roots of hate, jealousy and
greed which were the real forces behind the hysterics. Discuss the character which best illustrate these
attitudes.
8. Do you have another idea? Come talk to me about it.
STEP TWO: Draft a thesis statement. This is the IDEA upon which your essay will be based. It should be
clear, insightful, arguable, and provide the direction for your essay.
Examples:
It takes great individual strength to seek wisdom in the face of mass ignorance.
Despite our vision of the Puritans as holy and righteous people, The Crucible shows them to have all the
faults that we have.
Your thesis statement:
STEP THREE: Finding support. Go through the play looking for occasions where issues over your
theme/topic arise.
For example, if you have chosen topic #1, you would look for places where characters are being cruel and
saying that they are doing it for righteous reasons. One example of that might be when Mary Warren tells
John Proctor that she is an official of the court, and that she is doing “God’s work.” Proctor’s reply is that
hanging people is strange work for a Christian. Add to the list you made in class. There are many other
instances of cruelty in the name of righteousness. Write down not only brief summaries of what’s going on,
but also quotes and specifics.
List them. Include quotes (with page numbers), details, and explanations.
STEP FOUR: Organize your essay: Decide upon a method or organization. Using a graphic organizer
could help, or making an outline.
STEP FIVE: Drafting your essay.
Requirements:
*An introductory paragraph which draws the reader into your topic, mentions the author and title of the
work being discussed (in this case, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller), and ends (usually) with your thesis
statement.
*A clearly-stated, insightful thesis
*Thesis developed with at least three sub-topics, developed with lots of specifics and at least one quote per
subtopic. Each subtopic needs to have its own “thesis”—the topic sentence—that clearly connects to the
main thesis.
*A concluding paragraph, which wraps up your discussion in a satisfying way. It never hurts to restate
your thesis at this point.
*This essay should use MLA format (see board)
*Proofread! Essays with many mechanical errors will be docked one letter grade. Handwritten essays will
be docked one letter grade.
GRADING CRITERIA:
Thesis Statement (5 points)
due
Rough Draft (10 points)
due
Final Draft (50 points)
due
Excellent
Paper has clear thesis statement.
Paper is framed by a good
introduction and conclusion.
Paper shows insight into the theme
chosen and how it is worked out
in the play.
Ideas are clearly stated and explained
in paragraphs.
Paper includes aptly chosen specifics
and quotes to support ideas.
Essay as a whole follows some kind
of logical organization.
Paper is proof-read for spelling and
mechanical errors.
Comments:
Satisfactory
Needs work