The Crucible Essays
Directions: On this page you have different outlines for different essays that somehow
relate to The Crucible. Choose one essay topic, follow the outline and submit a final draft by the date announced in class.
TOPIC ONE
In the play, the Crucible, many of the characters learn things about themselves,
as well as others. Discuss the insight gained by the characters of Elizabeth Proctor,
Reverend Hale, and John Proctor.
Paragraph 1 (Introduction)
- Define the following: crucible, Elizabeth, Hale, John, and insight.
Paragraph 2 (Body)
- Discuss the character of Elizabeth in detail. Talk about her insight into John. Give an example and page number. Talk about her insight into herself. Give an example and a page number.
Paragraph 3 (Body)
- Discuss the character of Reverend Hale and his insight into witchcraft. Give an example with a page number. Discuss his insight into the law and the judges. Give another example with a page number.
Paragraph 4 (Body)
- Discuss the character of John Proctor and his insight into Elizabeth. Give an example and page number. Also discuss his insight into himself. Give an example and a page number.
Paragraph 5 (Conclusion)
- Summation of the characters
- Name who you think is the most important character and why.
- Give at least 2 reasons for you choice and use at least one example that has not been previously used.
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TOPIC TWO
Discuss the theme of pride in the play The Crucible
Paragraph I (introduction)
- Definition of excessive pride
- Brief summary of the play
- Introduction to the main characters
Paragraph 2 (begin body)
- Reverend Hale
- Example of pride (quote/pg#/explanation)
- Result of his pride (example from the play/ another quote/pg#/explanation)
- Conclusion (was his pride justified?)
Paragraph 3 (continue body)
- Elizabeth Proctor
- Example of pride (quote/pg#/explanation)
- Result of her pride (example from the play/ another quote/pg#/explanation)
- Conclusion (was her pride justified?)
Paragraph 4 (finish body)
- John Proctor
- Example of pride (quote/pg#/explanation)
- Result of his pride (example from the play/ another quote/pg#/explanation)
- Conclusion (was his pride justified?)
Paragraph 5 (conclusion)
- Compare John Proctor to the other characters
- Decide whether or not his final act was one of excessive pride
- Tell how the title of the play relates to the theme
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TOPIC THREE
Discuss the change or lack of change undergone by the main characters.
Paragraph I (introduction)
- Definition of Crucible
- Explain how the definition applies to the play
- Mention that the some characters changed because of what they had to undergo and some characters did not change
- Mention 3 characters you wish to discuss and tell whether or not they change during the play.
Paragraph II (1st character)
- Transitional sentence
- Give an adjective to describe the character at the beginning of the play
- Describe a scene from the beginning of the play to prove that this is a good adjective.
- If the character is unchanged, describe a scene from the end of the play that shows that this same adjective applies
- If the character is changed, give a new adjective for that character as well as a description of a scene from the end of the play that proves this adjective.
Paragraph III (2nd character)
- Transitional sentence
- Give an adjective to describe the character at the beginning of the play
- Describe a scene from the beginning of the play to prove that this is a good adjective.
- If the character is unchanged, describe a scene from the end of the play that shows that this same adjective applies
- If the character is changed, give a new adjective for that character as well as a description of a scene from the end of the play that proves this adjective.
Paragraph IV (3rd character)
- Transitional sentence
- Give an adjective to describe the character at the beginning of the play
- Describe a scene from the beginning of the play to prove that this is a good adjective.
- If the character is unchanged, describe a scene from the end of the play that shows that this same adjective applies
- If the character is changed, give a new adjective for that character as well as a description of a scene from the end of the play that proves this adjective.
Paragraph V
- In your opinion which character underwent the most profound change? Explain why you feel as you do. Be specific.
