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