The Crucible Essay Exam
A. Write an essay response to any of these questions. Include quotes to support your
responses.
B. Write a short response to any of these questions. Include at least one quote to
support your response.
1. In the play, the accusers are all young, unmarried women. Is crying “Witchcraft” an
excuse these young women use in order to gain power; power in the community, over
adults, and over men? Identify at least 2 female characters that clearly have aspirations of
power and will go to any lengths to gain it.
2. “The play is a study of power and manipulation.” Show how the play is not so much a
dramatization of “witch-hunting” as it is an illumination of human weakness, hypocrisy,
and vindictiveness. Explain the meaning of hypocrisy as it applies to the play (do not
simply give a dictionary definition). Discuss at least two characters that are hypocritical
and describe how their role in the community/society allows this abuse of power to
continue.
3. John Proctor, the protagonist, faces an inner moral conflict (man vs. self) throughout the
play. Identify and then describe the progression of the conflict from the beginning to the
end of the play. Briefly explain who else is affected by his struggle and how? In your
conclusion, discuss if and why Proctor can be considered a “hero” and if the conflict is ever
resolved in the end.
4. Adultery takes center stage in the play. Adultery affects characters socially, politically,
and religiously. Modern society has “flexible” views on adultery. Consider adultery in the
United States and how it has played a major role in the life of someone in the public eye.
Compare and contrast adultery and its effects in The Crucible and its effects on modern
society. Cite specific instances to support your response.
5. “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign
myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of those that hang! How may I
live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” Based on Proctor’s
words, why does he insist on keeping his name? Is his name more valuable than his soul?
Why does he feel this way?