Write your essay about The Crucible. Remember that you are allowed to use your planning guide while writing.
Be sure to include:
1. An introduction
2. A strong thesis statement (last sentence of your introduction)
3. Three body paragraphs
Begin each body paragraph with a point you are making to support your thesis statement.
4. Conclusion
Choose ONE prompt to write about for your essay about The Crucible. You may use your planning guide to write your essay. You will have the class period (80 minutes) to write. Please make sure to follow the structure of the planning guide.
1. A tragic hero is the main character in a tragedy; in order to fit the definition, the individual must be a person a great or noble character who has a tragic flaw that causes his or her downfall. The tragic flaw is a weakness or error in judgment that causes the character to suffer. This suffering produces pity from the audience.
Does John Proctor fit the definition of a tragic hero? Why or why not? Support your argument with specific evidence of John’s characteristics from the play.
2. Abigail’s faults are quite obvious, but does she deserve the blame for the outcome of the play? Why or why not? Support your argument with specific evidence from the play.
3. A crucible is a pot that, because it can withstand great heat, is used to melt iron and other metals. The word “crucible” is also used to describe a severe test or a hard trial. Finally, “the crucible” is also used as an adjective to describe very high-grade steel.
With these possibilities in mind, which character best illustrates the meaning of the play’s title? Why? Support your argument with specific evidence from the play.
4. Prove the following statement: “The Crucible is essentially about courage, weakness, and truth.” Why is this statement true? Support your argument with specific evidence of individuals who fit these ideas from the play.
