essay questions name: - canton local school district · essay questions name: ... 5. some view this...

2

Click here to load reader

Upload: vandieu

Post on 11-May-2018

213 views

Category:

Documents


1 download

TRANSCRIPT

Page 1: Essay Questions Name: - Canton Local School District · Essay Questions Name: ... 5. Some view this play as a modern day tragedy. Is John Proctor a tragic hero? ... honor or a fool,

Essay Questions Name:______________________________

Please choose one of the following 7 essay questions to answer. Your

answer should be a minimum one full page with at least five separate

paragraphs. Answers are to be in MLA format (cover page, report, works

cited page) Standard formatting…typed in 12-point font size, double-spaced

and Times New Roman Font. Please credit the play “The Crucible” on your

Works Cited page…I will show you how to do this!

Each answer should contain multiple examples from the play for support.

Please make sure that your answers are well developed, and well supported

with specific detail and quotes from the play. Answer ALL parts to the

question you choose. Please identify which questions you are answering at

the top of the cover page.

1. The word “crucible” can be defined as a severe test. Write an essay

discussing the significance of the title. What is the “crucible” in the

play? How do characters react as they are tested? How does it bring

about change or reveal an individual’s true character?

2. As a minister, Rev. Parris is supposed to devote himself to the

spiritual welfare of the inhabitants of Salem. Write an essay

discussing Parris’ concerns. What are his motivations behind his

actions? Is he an effective minister? Explain why or why not.

3. Compare and contrast Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams. What

are their individual positive character traits? Negative character

traits? What prompts or motivates them when it comes to John?

4. In Act IV, Scene 4, Proctor agrees to falsely confess in order to avoid

death. He later changes his mind. Explain his thought process and

why he refuses to give his confession to Danforth. What is the “shred

of goodness” he discovers? Consider Elizabeth’s exclamation that,

“He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.” What

would life for John Proctor be like if he would have given the

confession?

Page 2: Essay Questions Name: - Canton Local School District · Essay Questions Name: ... 5. Some view this play as a modern day tragedy. Is John Proctor a tragic hero? ... honor or a fool,

5. Some view this play as a modern day tragedy. Is John Proctor a tragic

hero? Discuss the definition of a tragedy and tragic hero and how it

relates to the play. What are John’s motives for confessing and finally

for deciding to die. Include whether you believe him to be a man of

honor or a fool, and explain why.

6. A critical theme in The Crucible is the role that hysteria can play in

tearing apart a community. In The Crucible, the townsfolk accept and

become active in the hysterical climate not only out of genuine

religious piety but also because it gives them a chance to express

repressed sentiments and to act on long-held grudges. Discuss the

role that grudges and personal rivalries play in the witch trial hysteria.

7. How do the witch trials empower individuals who were previously

powerless? How are the "little crazy children jangling the keys of the

kingdom"? Discuss the role of power and authority and how it can

corrupt. How does “absolute power corrupt absolutely”?