Exploring Themes in The Crucible
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
Justice and
Judgement
Thesis
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
The Crucible encourages readers to question their assumptions
about judging others and thereby reveals how the act of passing
judgement is really a means of exercising power.
Judgement Anxiety
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
• Features one of the most famous trials in American history
• Written in response to a trial
• Motif
Judgement Quotes
By End of Play
“Wherefore is everybody suing
everybody else?” (25)
“I cannot judge you, John.” (109)
“It is agreed, sir—it is agreed—we will
abide by your judgement.” (31)
“Do what you will. But let none be
your judge. There be no higher judge
under Heaven than Proctor is!” (110)
“I cannot speak but I am doubted,
every moment judged for lies, as
though I come into a court when I
come into this house!” (45)
“Then who will judge me? (Suddenly
clasping his hands.) God in Heaven,
what is John Proctor, what is John
Proctor?” (110)
“Let you fear nothing! Another
judgement awaits us all!”
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
At First
The Meanings of “Judgement”
Question
1. Trial – legal
2. Judging others – moral
3. The Last Judgement – religious
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
In what ways is the word “judgement” used in these quotes?
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Who has the right to judge?
Who decides what’s evidence, what’s admissible in court?
When does the judgement process begin?
Why is such a decision reached?
I.e. what motives affect a decision?
How should we judge?
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
Questions Asked
• In groups of four, formulate a thesis statement explaining
what message you think Miller is conveying about justice and
judgement.
• Then, select three examples to support each point you plan to
make.
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
Task
Revision: Thesis Statement
E.g. This essay argues that The Crucible reveals a disjunction
between morality and justice, and contains a rather didactic
warning against judging others.
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
• Introduction
• Lays out main ideas/arguments
• A “road map”
Thesis Statement Guidelines
• Not too long
• Scope isn’t too large
E.g. DON’T craft something like: “This essay argues that American
literature is concerned with issues of justice.”
• Comprehensive
• Mentions all the main points
• Contestable
• Signpost
• E.g. “This essay argues that…”
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
• Concise
Contestable
Non-debatable theses:
Pollution is bad for the environment.
This essay focuses on Arthur Miller’s use of characterisation.
Debatable theses:
America’s anti-pollution effort should focus on privately owned
cars.
This essay examines Arthur Miller’s use of language and argues
that The Crucible suggests that power is reified through contests
over interpretation.
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
• I.e. can someone argue with/add to your argument?
Judgement in American
Literature
• “A Jury of her Peers” – Susan Glaspell
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/story/fulltext.html
Sources
J. Phay / American Lit / 2013
http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/01/