Research Paper
The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a remarkable work which connects events across nearly 400 years
of American history. Set in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, the play is based on historical fact and on
the struggles of actual people who lived during that period; however, Miller also meant the play to
serve as a commentary on the “witch hunts” of his own era--the anti-communist hysteria that fueled
the investigations by HUAC and by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the early 1950’s.
After reading the play in class, you will conduct an investigation of your own. You will choose one
of the following questions:
1) To what extent is The Crucible historically accurate?
2) A crucible is defined as a severe test. Write an essay discussing the significance of the
title. What is "the crucible" within the play and how does it bring about change or
reveal an individual's true character?
3) Contrast any two characters from the play. What makes them fundamentally different?
4) How does the treatment of communists in the 1950’s compare/contrast other “witch
hunts” throughout history?
5) Discuss how what occurred in Salem had lasting effects on Puritan culture and
theocracies.
You will research the question using the selected Internet web sites. If you also consult print sources,
be sure to keep a Works Cited list and to keep track of page numbers of quotes or paraphrasing.
Next, you will spend time pre-writing and planning your paper with the help of an outline. Since this
paper is primarily a comparison/contrast essay, a Venn Diagram or T-chart may also be useful.
Finally, you will write a research paper (essay) in which you explore the question you have chosen.
Your paper must have:


an introduction, including
a strong thesis statement which carefully articulates the assertion which you will be trying to
prove;
 body paragraphs, which have
 topic sentences and which
 support your thesis and which
 use as evidence direct quotes from the play and from your Internet sources;
 a conclusion which ties the whole paper together.
 a “Works Cited” page with a minimum of three sources.
LENGTH: 600-800 words