The Crucible Essay
Due: Wed. 12/2/15
Assignment: Write an essay on one of the following topics:
1. Explain what it means to have integrity. Based on the historical context of the play, The
Crucible by Arthur Miller, which character(s) has the most integrity and why? How can
this character’s demonstration of integrity along with his or her other admirable qualities
be applied to modern situations?
2. One major theme of, The Crucible is how mass paranoia and intolerance can harm a
community. Keeping in mind the historical context of play and the Salem Witch Trials,
discuss how this theme or message fits with the Salem Witch Trials AND explain how it
can be applied to more modern situations.
3. Explain the significance of the title of, The Crucible as it relates to the themes of integrity
and warnings about the potential consequences of intolerance.
Directions:
1. Your essay must contain a clear introduction (one paragraph), body (three to four
paragraphs), and conclusion (one paragraph).
2. Your essay must be focused on a clear, defendable thesis statement.
3. Your argument must be supported by specific examples from the text AND the
movie.
4. You must include ALL of the following with the final draft:
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Brainstorming and Crucible character notes -10 pts
Handwritten rough draft -15 pts
Typed draft (Due in class on Monday, 11-30) edited by a student from this
class (including the editing sheet) -10 pts
5. Failure to turn in the above listed items may result in a score of zero for this essay
assignment.
6. Essay format:
 MLA (typed, double-spaced, size 12 Times Roman or similar font)
 In text citations- refer to class lesson on specifics from the play and the movie.
 The final, typed draft should be approximately 2 to 3 pages.
7. Scoring: Please consult the attached scoring guide for more details on how the essay
will be scored.
8. Plagiarism in whole or in part will result in a score of zero for this assignment
without the opportunity to make up the points.