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III Essay Topics
This is the first literary analysis essay you will be completing this year. Look carefully at the topics below and choose one. Essays should be between 500 and 750 words. Essays should be typed, double spaced using a size 12 Times New Roman font, and must include a cover page with you name, teacher's name, class (i.e. English 12), and class section.
Since this is the first essay you will be completing this year, the following link may be useful in helping you organize your ideas if you choose topics 1, 2, or 3; it provides outlines for the first three essay topics. You may use these as a guide to help you get back into the swing of essay writing, but remember, this is only the first essay you will be writing and the others will NOT have this extra bit of help! My suggestion would be to examine the outlines and make decisions on your own as to how to develop and organize the essay you write.
http://www.curriculumunits.com/crucible/assign/crucsa.htm
Topics:
1. 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.
2. Discuss the theme of pride in the play the play.
3. Discuss the change or lack of change undergone by the main characters.
4. One of the reasons Arthur Miller wrote this play was because of an historical event in American history. No, not the witch trials of Salem, but the movement in the 1950’s led by senator Joe McCarthy to seek and identify members of the Communist Party that he felt were trying to overthrow the government. This movement ruined many innocent people because of its drive to seek what it thought to be the truth no matter who was hurt in the process. Write about another historical event that might be considered similar to this one, that is, doing what is right no matter who it hurts or how badly people are hurt.
5. At the end of the play, Reverend Hale insists that John Proctor’s design to hang instead of admitting that he was consorting with the devil is an act of excessive pride or stubbornness. Do you think that Proctor’s last act was an act of excessive pride or honor? Explain.
All essay topics can be found at the link listed above.
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