ENGLISH III – The Crucible – Paper Topics
1) Some novels and plays seem to advocate changes in social or political attitudes or in traditions. Using
The Crucible, discuss the particular attitudes or traditions that the author apparently wishes to modify,
then analyze the techniques the author uses to influence the reader’s or audience’s views. Be sure to
answer the following question in your thesis statement: What is Miller seeking to amend in society?
2) Define John Proctor as a tragic hero, using Aristotle’s definition of this term. Be sure to cite textual
evidence as support, and be sure that your analysis is convincing, in that you prove that Proctor meets
the definition of a tragic hero. (See Mrs. Rainone for Aristotle’s definition in a handout)
3) Two definitions of the term ‘crucible’ are applicable to this play: One definition states that a crucible is
“a container, usually made of metal, used for heating substances to high temperatures.” The second
definition defines a crucible as “a severe test or trial.” Explain how these definitions relate to the play as
a whole, and what the reader can learn from this title.
4) Use the following epitaph, written by John Greenleaf Whittier and taken from Rebecca Nurse’s actual
gravestone in Salem, Massachusetts, to develop a thesis on martyrdom in The Crucible. What do we
learn from the martyrs of the play?
Rebecca Nurse
Yarmouth, England 1621
Salem, Mass. 1692
O Christian Martyr who for truth could die
When all around thee owned the hideous lie!
The world redeemed from Superstition's sway
Is breathing freer for thy sake today.
ALL PAPERS MUST HAVE A STRONG THESIS STATEMENT, USE QUOTES TO SUPPORT THE THESIS, USE
PROPER MLA FORMAT, AND BE AT LEAST FOUR FULL PAGES IN LENGTH. THIS PAPER WILL COUNT AS
TWO PAPER GRADES, SO BE SURE TO DO A GREAT JOB!
REMEMBER TO USE THE COMMON CORE WRITING RUBRIC TO GUIDE YOUR WRITING, AND BE
MINDFUL OF HEADING, SPACING, AND USE OF TIMES NEW ROMAN, 12-FONT (as we discussed in
class).
HAPPY WRITING!!!
DUE DATE: Thursday - October 30, 2014