The CrucibleCritical Essay Technique

John Proctor, the tragic hero of Arthur Miller’s ’The Crucible’, is a character portrayed not only as being in conflict with his society, but with himself. Miller is successful in portraying how John is able to overcome his internal conflicts-caused by his adulterous guilt- to heroically challenge the corrupt witch trials of theocratic Salem. The playwright’s depiction of these conflicts helps to underline the importance of individual conscience and the disastrous consequences when people abandon theirs.

John Proctor, the tragic hero of Arthur Miller’s ’The Crucible’, is a character portrayed not only as being in conflict with his society, but with himself. Miller is successful in portraying how John is able to overcome his internal conflicts-caused by his adulterous guilt- to heroically challenge the corrupt witch trials of theocratic Salem. The playwright’s depiction of these conflicts helps to underline the importance of individual conscience and the disastrous consequences when people abandon theirs.

A point (made at the outset of your paragraph, usually in your topic sentence)

Expansion of this point (avoid the temptation to simply retell the story here).

Evidence of your point (at least two quotations per paragraph).

Analysis of techniques used Links back to your task. Explanations of the significance of what you

are discussing to the play’s central concerns Evaluation of how effective Miller has been.

Main paragraphs

Should be clear. Should demonstrate continuity /

development in your argument. Should be varied/ not all begin in the same

way. You could: begin with the playwright’s

name; begin in a personal way; begin by identifying a technique / aspect.

Topic Sentences

Arthur Miller uses effective characterisation in this scene to demonstrate its importance.

Miller develops the idea that the revelation of the truth of John Proctor’s affair could end all of the accusations of witchcraft in Salem.

Despite Proctor’s failure to convince the court he is telling the truth, his choice to do so reveals many aspects of his character.

Indeed, John is a religious man whose conviction rests on personal faith and reading of the Bible, as well as what he believes to be right.

I thought that John’s most heroic moment came in the play’s climactic scene.