THE CRUCIBLE
IN-CLASS TYPED ESSAY
Select ONE of the following prompts.
This essay must consist of at least five *paragraphs (intro, conclusion, and at three body
paragraphs with citation), although it may be longer if necessary. *(Paragraphs must be
5- 8 sentences long.) You must use as much specific detail from the play as possible,
including a *minimum of one direct quote per body paragraph. *(Minimum = C work.)
You will have a much easier time with the essay if you create a plan of attack (prewriting or notes) and pick out quotes to use for each essay topic ahead of time...you will
have 24 hours to prepare.
1. At the end of the play, Reverend Hale insists that John Proctor’s design to hang
instead of admitting that he was consorting with the devil is an act of excessive
pride or stubbornness. As the old saying goes, sometimes people do "bite off
their nose to spite their face."
Do you think that Proctor’s last act was an act of excessive pride or honor?
Were his actions foolish or noble?
Please explain your choice.
2. Preserving one’s reputation is a prevalent theme in The Crucible.
Examine three (3) characters in detail who are concerned with their reputations.
How does this affect how they act?
How are their situations similar or different? Is a good name more important
than the truth?
3. How much is Abigail to blame for the events that took place?
Is she a victim of her society in The Crucible?
What events in her past and present influence her behavior?
Can she excused or pardoned because outside forces “made” her the way she is?
Explain with supportive details.