ALL drafts should be saved in Word and submitted to me via Google Docs. My email address is:
Kimberly.swindell@robeson.k12.nc.us.
First Option:
Arthur Miller often creates characters who must choose between conduct serving only their own self- interests and conduct demonstrating commitment to the larger community. Discuss the theme of “individual vs. society” with specific reference to John Proctor in The Crucible. This means you must show a progression from the beginning of the play to the end. Your explanation must have examples that deal with character development. Look up the terms characterization and setting (time and place) in the glossary of your literature book. Cite specific examples from the play to prove your assertions.
Second Option:
Foil is used throughout the play to provide striking contrasts between two characters. With this term in mind, write an analysis paper contrasting two characters. What character traits do each have which makes them foils for the other? How are these characters different? Do they change as the play progresses? The primary foils in the play are Abigail Williams and Elizabeth Proctor or the Reverends Danforth and Hale. Do not use any other character parings. Cite specific examples from the play to prove your assertions.
Third Option:
As a minister, Reverend Parris is supposed to devote himself to the spiritual welfare of the inhabitants of Salem. Write an essay that discusses Parris’ concerns and motivations during the play and the impact they have on the other characters in The Crucible. Cite specific examples from the play to prove your assertions.
Fourth Option:
Discuss the changes that Reverend Hale undergoes in the course of the play. What is his central conflict? Start with his initial opinion of what is happening in Salem based on his experience in these matters. Next, describe what he learns through interviewing other characters. Finally, evaluate if his thoughts on what was occurring is in fact accurate and why. Cite specific examples from the play to prove your assertions.
Fifth Option:
Is Abigail 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?
Why or why not? Cite specific examples from the play to prove your assertions.
FORMATTING DIRECTIONS:
1.
Your essay MUST be typed. Handwritten essays will not be accepted. There IS NO REASON

why your essay is not typed on the day it is due. PLAN AHEAD .
2.
Use ONLY Times or Times New Roman in 12 point font.
3.
Your margins CANNOT be any larger than 1” and the essay must be double spaced. Indent each new paragraph five spaces and do not add extra returns between paragraphs.
FOLLOW MLA Format— directions can be found on my website.
4. Be sure to use spell check and PROOFREAD your essay before you hand it in.
5.
On your first page in the upper left hand corner, place your name, MY name (Ms. Melvin),
American Literature and period number, the date (day month year). Then center a title.
Do not italicize or underline or make bold your title. Just capitalize the first letter of important words. Then begin your essay. Double space throughout. Do not triple space
ANYWHERE. Each new paragraph should be indented 5 spaces. Use only one side of the paper. You must also have your last name and page number on each page (including the first page) in the upper left-hand corner (header)—see MLA instructions on my website for details.
6.
Your essay must not exceed 3 pages. You must have a formal introduction and your thesis statement must be the last sentence in the introduction (you must underline or highlight the thesis). You must also have a formal conclusion. You should have at least 3 body paragraphs.
7.
You must use textual citations to give credit for each of the quotes (at least 3) you use in your essay. This means you must use direct quotations from the play in your essay. 
The first citation contains the author’s name and page number. “. . . in the house” (Miller 23).
Each subsequent citation contains the page number only. “Do not chain her!” (14).
8.
You must have a Work Cited page attached at the end of your essay-- see MLA instructions on my website for details.
9.
Do not use sources other than the play. Do not read additional books, or articles online. Do not share your work with other students or ask them to proofread your paper outside of designated class times.
10.
Remember, this essay is worth 100 points. This is the culminating activity for this literary unit. It will be graded accordingly. Your grade will be based on the following: Use of the
Five Paragraph Essay format, discussion and analysis of the topic identified, inclusion of quotations from the text to support your ideas, Compliance with formatting instructions, and accurate and correct diction, grammar, and syntax.
12. There is no excuse for your essay not being in class—during your regular period—on the day it is due. ABSENCE is not an excuse. If you are not able to come to school, your essay must arrive on time during your class period—or earlier. Plan ahead so that all assignments are

submitted on time or you will lose 20 % credit.
Some No-Nos and Advice
Avoid using the pronoun “I.” Don’t write “I think.”
Avoid using fancy words that you don’t quite understand.
Don’t try to squeeze too many ideas into a single sentence, but don’t write baby sentences, either.
Avoid clichés and stale, worn-out expressions.
Never write: “this shows that” “this quote means” “this shows how” “In conclusion,” “In this essay,” etc.
PROOFREAD!!!!!!!!
Use spell check!!!!! Prepare for writing. Make certain that you answer/address all aspects of the prompt! This is very important: break down the prompt to understand exactly what is expected.
Avoid plot summary. Remember to analyze rather than summarize. Show how characters are portrayed in the story. The reader needs to see “the hand of the writer,” which is you.