The Crucible Arthur Miller

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The Crucible Essays

Conformity, imbalance of power, and social injustice geoff cowper-smith, the crucible.

A "Great Drama" is a play in which an audience can find personal relevance. It is something which an audience can relate to. A great drama should having meaning to audiences for multiple generations. Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" successfully...

Sins and Ambitions Anthony Haddad

"The belief in a supernatural source of evil is not necessary; men alone are quite capable of every wickedness." - Joseph Conrad

The Salem witchcraft trials illuminate a great human campaign to rid society of the wicked devil and his sinful...

The Stream of Conscience in Arthur Miller's The Crucible Anonymous

In Arthur Miller's powerful stage play The Crucible, written in 1953 as a metaphor for the McCarthy hearings on communism in America, the idea of conscience is greatly emphasized in many of the main characters. Miller himself once said that The...

The Crucible as an Allegory Anonymous

In his classic drama The Crucible, Arthur Miller chronicles the horror of the Salem witch trials, an embarrassing episode of colonial America's history. At first reading, one might only view Miller's work as a vivid account of the tragedy of...

Contemporary Events Leading to The Crucible Lee Wang

When The Crucible opened on January 22, 1953, audiences greeted it with lukewarm applause. Critics did what they do best by berating the new play. What is now arguably the most influential allegorical play on the subject of Communism written...

Society In The Crucible and Death of a Salesman Michael Brooks

Two plays by Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, both contend that society is the indifferent, sometimes brutal, force that crushes an individual. Although the plays take place in different time periods, they each convey the force...

The Evolution of Reverend Hale Matt Rigolizzo 11th Grade

How can a trial turn a religious minister into a man separated from a town’s power structure? In The Crucible, Reverend Hale is sent to Salem to deal with an alleged outbreak of witchcraft. At the beginning of the play, Hale is a confidant man,...

Puritans, the Devil, and American Literature Anonymous 11th Grade

“The Devil and Tom Walker” by Washington Irving and “Young Goodman Brown” by Nathaniel Hawthorne are both short stories that illustrate Puritan ideas about the place of evil in human nature. Both short stories revolve around a central character...

Rev. Parris: Greed and Lies in The Crucible Anonymous 10th Grade

Human nature has a tendency, a fad if you will, to display traits of selfishness and a "me first, you later" attitude. This sort of thinking often leads people to do unjust or politically incorrect things, and it gets them in trouble with the law,...

Personal Expediency Among the Puritans Chloe Mourad 10th Grade

Within the Puritan society of the seventeenth century, the fear of the Devil fueled the actions of individuals; this idea is reflected in two significant works of literature, A Year of Wonders by Geraldine Brooks and The Crucible by Arthur Miller....

Fear is Something to be Feared Serena Huang 10th Grade

Fear is Something to be Feared

The word "fear" can be defined as: a distressing emotion aroused by impending danger or pain. In his play The Crucible, Arthur Miller addresses the fear embedded within Puritan society. According to the Public...

The Two Opposing Female Roles in “The Crucible” Sanya Helene Stern 11th Grade

“Does this dress make me look fat?” It’s a common conception; women tell each other to wear black because the contrast is slimming. Politicians run attack ads on components to make themselves look better in comparison. The literary technique of...

A New Perspective on Salem Anonymous College

The name Salem or any mention of the Salem witch trials almost always turns heads, and usually this sudden attention is not due to a reputable history. Most people think of the Salem witch trials and begin to picture an out of control environment....

The Crucible - Pure vs. Tainted Love Anonymous 9th Grade

The concept of redemptive and destructive love is common in all modes of texts, no matter the location or the time period. This is because love itself is timeless; it is a moving force that pushes people to act, an emotion which can cause both...

Hubris vs. Heroism : An Analysis of John Proctor’s shortcomings as Miller’s Tragic Hero Arthur Miller 11th Grade

The famous philosopher Aristotle formally defined the parameters of the tragic hero in his work On Poetics (335 B.C.). Aristotle based his tragic hero model on Oedipus, a king from Greek mythology. He defined the tragic hero as a man of noble...

Ambiguous Political Agendas: Historical Figures in Miller and Atwood Anonymous 12th Grade

Political agendas remain dubious and uncertain, but control is the eventual aim, almost by definition, of political activity. The Crucible by Arthur Miller and Margaret Atwood’s free-verse poem “Helen of Troy Does Countertop Dancing” expose innate...

The Crucible and Year of Wonders Anonymous 12th Grade

Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible and Geraldine Brooks’ novel Year of Wonders are both works that explore the treatment of individuals under oppressive theocratic ruling. Both Miller’s and Brooks’ works are aligned with key themes of superstition,...

How the Actions of the Court Amplified Hysteria and Expedited the Trials in The Crucible Anonymous 10th Grade

How is it possible that the actions of a single institution can completely decimate the physical and societal structure of an entire town? In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, this situation comes to pass in Salem, Massachusetts during the 1690’...

The "Weights" of the World: A Central Motif in 'The Crucible' Evan Kade Bridges 12th Grade

Arthur Miller confronts the “weight of truth," "weight of authority," and the "weight of law" in The Crucible. This play expresses the different complications that come along with having to bear each "weight." Many characters in the play conform...

Compare the ways in which The Crucible and Year of Wonders explore the conflict between appearance and reality. Kulin Gunathilake 12th Grade

Arthur Miller’s allegorical play, The Crucible , illustrates the parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and the HUAC communist crisis, highlighting the injustice of McCarthyism. Alternatively, Geraldine Brooks intertextually takes a cue from the...

A Study of People and Politics in The Crucible and Citizenfour Anonymous 12th Grade

Composers represent the ultimate powerlessness of ordinary people through the ways in which they explore the complex and dynamic relationship between people and politics. Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible” written in a communist fearing period...

True character is revealed under pressure Grace Harrington 12th Grade

In both The Crucible and Year of Wonders , characters are put under pressure and in times of crisis their true character is revealed. Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible , showcases the grotesque nature of the human form and how it contorts when tempted...

Representation of gender in The Crucible and Macbeth Isabelle White 11th Grade

Drama is the performance of a narrative by actors on stage, and differs from prose fiction in that it is interpreted and presented by others rather than the individual viewer. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is a drama that illustrates a...

Jealousy and the destructive nature of love in Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’, Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’, and Ian McEwen’s ‘Atonement’. Summer Jade Dolan 12th Grade

Compare and contrast the representation of jealousy and the destructive nature of love in Shakespeare’s ‘Othello’, Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’, and Ian McEwen’s ‘Atonement’.

When comparing themes of jealousy and the destructive nature of love...

the crucible essay conclusion

the crucible essay conclusion

The Crucible

Arthur miller, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions.

Welcome to the LitCharts study guide on Arthur Miller's The Crucible . Created by the original team behind SparkNotes, LitCharts are the world's best literature guides.

The Crucible: Introduction

The crucible: plot summary, the crucible: detailed summary & analysis, the crucible: themes, the crucible: quotes, the crucible: characters, the crucible: symbols, the crucible: theme wheel, brief biography of arthur miller.

The Crucible PDF

Historical Context of The Crucible

Other books related to the crucible.

  • Full Title: The Crucible
  • When Written: 1950-52
  • When Published: 1953
  • Literary Period: Realist Drama
  • Genre: Tragic Drama
  • Setting: Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, when it was a Puritan colony
  • Climax: The Crucible has an odd structure, in which each of the four acts ends on a climax. Act I: the girls scream out the names of witches. Act II: Proctor vows he will confront Abigail. Act III: Proctor reveals his adultery with Abigail, and Elizabeth Proctor lies. Act IV: Proctor rips up his confession.
  • Antagonist: Abigail Williams

Extra Credit for The Crucible

The Real Salem Witch Trials. In his depiction of the witch trials, Miller took many major departures from fact. For instance, John Proctor was nearly 60 and Abigail Williams only 11 at the time of the witch trials. Any affair between the two is highly unlikely, to say the least. Miller was always open about the liberties he took with history, saying that he was writing "a fictional story about an important theme."

Some Like it Hot. Arthur Miller was not a star the way writers are stars today. He was much, much bigger than that. After he wrote Death of a Salesman , he was a tremendous national sensation. In fact, he was such a big star that he married Marilyn Monroe. The couple married in 1956, and stayed together until 1961.

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87 The Crucible Essay Topics & Examples

Looking for The Crucible essay examples? Arthur Miller’s play is worth writing about!

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The Crucible is a play by famous American playwright Arthur Miller that premiered in 1953 in NYC. It is based on a true story of the Salem witch trials that took place in the late 17th century.

In your The Crucible essay, you might want to make a literary analysis of the play. Another option is to focus on one of the themes or symbols used by Miller. Whether you need to write a short 5-paragraph essay or a longer argumentative paper on the play, this article will be helpful. It contains catchy titles, research questions, and essay topics for The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Free essay examples are added to inspire you even more.

  • A. Miller’s “The Crucible” Play: Who Is to Blame? The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller in 1953, is a play focusing on the topic of the Salem witch of the last decade of the 1600s in Massachusetts.
  • Analysis of the Movie The Crucible Arthur Miller’s play and movie was a reflection of what used to happen in the United States of America. It was a situation where reason was not used in the judicial system and people were […]
  • Salem’s Puritans in “The Crucible” Play by Arthur Miller Parris is described as a man in his forties and the author adds that there is “very little good to be said for him”. The land is not very fertile and the town is surrounded […]
  • Goodness as a Central Theme of “The Crucible” In the play “The Crucible”, Artur Miller raises the topic of Salem witch accusations taking place in Massachusetts during the end of the seventeenth century.
  • Shakespeare’s “Othello” and Miller’s “The Crucible” The villains in both “Othello” and “The Crucible” are unique in their proficiency in the use of language for manipulating others and their ability to use the current setting for achieving their goals; Abigail is […]
  • Witches Against Corruption in Miller’s The Crucible Play Through their portrayal in the play, the accused witches have become powerful symbols of strength and resistance for women who want to take a stand against corruption and injustice.
  • “The Crucible” by Arthur Williams John may be considered the protagonist of the play, however, the interrelation of the two main female characters of the play are, certainly, of great use for the development of the action and realization of […]
  • Arthur Miller: Hypocrisy, Guilt, Authority, and Hysteria in “The Crucible” The cruel persecution of minorities and the interference of the state in the individual’s conscience became the key concerns of Miller’s criticism of this people’s actions and beliefs.
  • “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller Answer: Hale comes to Salem with the intention of finding concrete proof of witchcraft and using it to condemn the people guilty of the crime.
  • John Hale’s Image in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller The book is concerned with the topic of witch trials taking place in the city of Salem, the Province of Massachusetts Bay, 1692-1693; it features a number of characters, some of whom depict the real […]
  • “The Crucible” a Play by Arthur Miller In both cases, it can clearly be seen that it is fear that allows unreasonable and unlawful actions to continue under the guise of lawful actions that are for the common good.
  • Literature as a Protest: The Lottery and The Crucible Thus, in the case of “the lottery” it can be seen that it is a form of protest against the practice of blindly following “tradition” without taking into consideration the full logic of the actions […]
  • The Salem Witch Trials in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller Though Miller has made a range of changes to the original, the alterations did not prevent from understanding the case better; instead, these changes allowed for updating the story so that it would be interesting […]
  • “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller: Play Analysis The scenario calls for the need to investigate the villagers on issues pertaining to witchcraft, a take that finds many of them victims of the evil doing ready to be judged. First, the plot of […]
  • The Crucible (1996) by Nicholas Hytner Although Miller has never consented to the historical accuracy of the story, most of the events in the story match up with the occurrences in Salem, Massachusetts during the seventeenth century.
  • The Crucible by Arthur Miller The plays interweaves Christ’s crucifixion with the picture of a bubbling crucible in it a man and a society: the predicament of arriving to the right choice of morality and the inevitability of attaining redemption […]
  • Informative Synthesis on Movie: The Crucible The writer of the play version of the film, Arthur Miller, takes charge of the screenplay while Nicholas Hytner is the director.
  • The Madness of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Theme of Sacrifice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorn
  • The Society and the Individual in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Social Breakdown That Allowed the Witch Hunt Paranoia in Salem in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Victory of Morality Over Cowardice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • Values and Morality in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Valuable Reasons of Abigail Williams in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Significance and Role of Abigail Williams and Tituba in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Witch Hearings in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Influence of the McCarthy Hearings of the 1950’s in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Use of Rhetorical Devices to Reveal Negative Correlation Between Power Truth, Justice, and Emotions in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Traits and Characteristics of John Proctor in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Unfair and Unkind Treatment of Women in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Internal Battles of Mary Warren, John Proctor and Reverend Hale in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Symbolism of the Crucible as a Test for Salem in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The True Meaning of Tragedy in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Presentation of Abigail Williams in Act I of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Tragic Fate of John Proctor in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Reasons Why People Stand Up for Justice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
  • The Sinful Confessions in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Motivation of Abigail Williams to Protect Her Image and Interest in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Unreasonable Discrimination in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Theme of Justice Versus Retribution and Revenge in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Responibility of the Salem Community for the Tragedy in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • Weakness, Jealousy, and Manipulation in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • Vengeance and Malevolent Intent in a Corrupt World in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Materialistic and Controlling Characteristics of Reverend Parris in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Themes of Fear, Revenge and Greed, and Courage in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Sacrifices and Actions of Abigail for Love in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • What Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” Has to Offer to Modern Readers Globally
  • The Historical Meaning and Universal Themes of the Love Triangle, Mass Hysteria, and the Judicial System in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Salem Witch Trials as an Outlet for Revenge in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Three Stages of John Proctor’s Transformation in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Transformation of Abigail Williams in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Themes of Intolerance, Reputation, and Injustice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Theme of Courage in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • John Proctor as a Fair and Noble Character in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Strength of Elizabeth as Shown Through Her Trials in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Key Aspects of a Witch-Hunt in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and Paradise Lost
  • An Analysis of Social Status as a Significant Theme in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • How Does Fear Motivate the Main Characters in “The Crucible”?
  • What Was the Critical and Public Reaction to “The Crucible”?
  • What Is the Main Story of “The Crucible”?
  • What Were the Changes in John Proctor’s Character Throughout the Play “The Crucible”?
  • Why Is “The Crucible” So Famous?
  • How Does Arthur Miller Create Tension in the Trial Scene of “The Crucible”?
  • What Is the True Meaning of “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Present the Character of John Proctor in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does John Proctor Contribute to the Effectiveness of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?
  • What Are Some Examples of Mob Mentality in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Create Dramatic Tension in the Four Acts of “The Crucible”?
  • Does John Proctor Die in “The Crucible”?
  • When Did the Witch Trials Take Place in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Convey His Message Through “The Crucible”?
  • Was Jon Proctor From Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” a Good Man?
  • How Did Arthur Miller Portray the Relationship Between John and Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller?
  • How Are Women Portrayed in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Arthur Miller Show Abigail’s Character in “The Crucible”?
  • Does Arthur Miller’s Play “The Crucible” End in Hope?
  • How Easily People Can Be Fooled as Portrayed in Arthur Miller’s Play “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Present Social Status in “The Crucible”?
  • Why Was John Proctor Convicted of Witchcraft in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?
  • How Miller Creates Conflict in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Arthur Miller Explore Social Injustice in His Play “The Crucible”?
  • How Arthur Miller Effectively Illustrates the Strength of John Proctor in His Play “The Crucible”?
  • How Arthur Miller Makes Act Three of “The Crucible” a Dramatic Scene?
  • Why “The Crucible” Remains Important Today?
  • What Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” Has to Offer to Modern Readers Globally?
  • How Does Miller Present the Character of Abigail in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Use Reverend Hale in “The Crucible”?
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"The Crucible" Literary Analysis

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What is the summary of the play?

Set in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692, the play focuses on the protagonist John Proctor as he struggles to overcome his past transgressions, prior to the play, when he committed adultery with Abigail Williams which subsequently controls and influences the outcome of the play. Abigail charges various citizens of practising witchcraft, leading to Proctor’s death.

What is the introduction to the play for the question - Choose a play in which there is a central character brings about his or her downfall because of a weakness within their character.

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ explores a character who possess a significant weakness. John Proctor, the antagonist, is unwilling to forgive himself after committing adultery with Abigail Williams. It is this inability to forgive himself that prevents him from revealing Abigail’s lies before they gather momentum and ultimately lead to his downfall in the play’s denouement.

What is the introduction to the play for the question - For a play you have studied, choose a scene in which a character is forced to face up to the truth about himself/herself?

Arthur Millers ‘The Crucible’ is a play where a character is forced to face up to the truth about themselves. John Proctor is a crucial character in the play who’s actions influence the outcome of everyone else. John’s struggles and worries of his tainted past are clearly shown throughout the play. Only through the personal sacrifice and matyrdrom can the constraints of Salem’s society be broken

What is the sentence for the techniques to convey the ideas in the play?

Through the use of characterisation, key scene and dialogue Arthur Miller successfully conveys/demonstrates and refer back to question.

What is the introduction to the play for a question about setting?

Arthur Miller’s the crucible is a play that makes use of setting to make the main ideas of the play more comprehensible and believable. After accusations of witchcraft, hysteria breaks out in Salem. Only through the use of setting can the main ideas be conveyed to the reader and the outcome of the play be explained.

What is the introduction to the play for a question on choose a play in which a central character struggles to cope with social convention or financial difficulties or family duties?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ contains a central character who struggles to cope with social convention. The protagonist John Proctor, is unwilling to forgive himself after committing adultery - an act frowned upon by the Puritan community. It is his inability to forgive himself and need for self preservation that subsequently controls and influences the outcome of the play, resulting in Proctors death.

What is the introduction for choose a play in which the concluding scene provides effective clarification of the central concerns?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘ The Crucible ‘ concludes with a scene that provides effective clarification of the central concerns in the play. The protagonist John Proctor, is unwilling to forgive himself for committing adultery with Abigail Williams. Proctors need for self preservation and unwillingness to forgive himself influence the outcome of the play and result in his death in the denouement of the play.

What is the introduction for choose a play in which the conflict between two characters is an important feature?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ explores a conflict between two important characters which influence the outcome of the play. John Proctor ,the protagonist, is tortured and weighed down by the guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Due to this, Proctor life is influenced by Abigail who is ultimately the cause of his death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for choose a play which focuses on a relationship which is destructive or is in crisis?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ focuses on a relationship which is destructive. The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, ultimately leading to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for choose a play in which a major character behaves in an impulsive or calculating or emotional manner?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ focuses on a character who behaves in a calculating way.The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, ultimately leading to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for choose a play in which there is a scene which influences the course of future events?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ contains a scene which influences the course of future events.The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, by accusing her of witchcraft, ultimately leading to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for choose a play which deals with the theme of honour or shame or betrayal?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ explores the theme of betrayal. The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life and not betray his wife again. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, by accusing her of witchcraft, ultimately leading to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for choose a play which has an effective opening scene or concluding scene?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘ The Crucible ‘ which has an effective opening scene. The protagonist John Proctor, is unwilling to forgive himself for committing adultery with Abigail Williams. Proctors need for self preservation and unwillingness to forgive himself influence the outcome of the play and result in his death in the denouement of the play.

What is the introduction for choose a play in which a major character’s actions influence the emotions of others?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ contains a major character who influences the emotions of others. The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, by accusing her of witchcraft, ultimately leading to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for choose a play in which there is a scene involving a moment of conflict or of resolution to conflict?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ contains a scene involving a moment of conflict. The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured and weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, by accusing her of witchcraft. Proctor attends court in the hope of pleading his wife’s innocence, which results in a conflict, that ultimately leads to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for choose a play which explores an important issue or issues within society?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ explores the issue of suppressed desire in the Puritan community of the 1690s. The protagonist John Proctor, is unwilling to forgive himself after committing adultery - an act frowned upon by the Puritan community. It is his inability to forgive himself and need for self preservation that subsequently controls and influences the outcome of the play, resulting in Proctors death.

What is the introduction for a character who, makes a vital error?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ contains a scene where a character makes a vital error. The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured and weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, by accusing her of witchcraft. Proctor attends court in the hope of pleading his wife’s innocence but when presented with the chance to save herself and her husband, Elizabeth’s natural lie to protect her husband ultimately leads to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the introduction for a scene that acts as a clear turning point?

What is the introduction for choose a play where the emotions of one or more characters reach a climax?

Arthur Miller’s play ‘The Crucible’ contains a scene involving a moment of conflict. The protagonist, John Proctor, is tortured and weighed down with guilt of his affair with Abigail Williams. Proctor tries his hardest to remove Abigail from his life. However it is his rejection of her that results in Abigail seeking revenge on his wife, by accusing her of witchcraft. Proctor attends court in the hope of pleading his wife’s innocence, which results in a climax of his emotions, that ultimately leads to Proctors death in the plays denouement.

What is the conclusion to the play?

To conclude - refer to question. Had Proctor been able to overcome his excessive pride and forgive himself for the the adultery he committed and not been so preoccupied with his past transgressions and reputation in Salem, he could have revealed his knowledge of Abigail earlier in the play and prevented the deaths of many people, as well as his own. Ultimately his inhabiting to forgive himself which was his fatal weakness and Miller successfully conveys the power conscience has over us. The play as a whole provides a powerful message about the dangers of being swept up in hysteria as well as the difficulties placed upon an individual to conform to society.

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Essays About The Crucible: 10 Essay Questions for Students

The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is one of the most-studied plays in American history. What are some of the top essays about The Crucible that people can write?

The Crucible , by Arthur Miller, is a play that focuses on The Salem Witch Trials. This is one of the most studied times in American history when people could be put on trial and brutally executed just for being suspected of being a witch. The primary instigator was Elizabeth Proctor, who was just 17 years old and started falsely accusing people of being a witch. The practice spread to children, such as Abigail Williams, and even men, such as John Proctor, were accused of being a witch. 

In the 15 months following the first accusation, 20 people were executed. The Crucible focuses on how the events of the witch trials unfolded. Take a look at a few possible essay topics that stem from the play.

For help with your essays, check out our round-up of the best essay checkers !

1. Who Is the Most Heroic Character in The Crucible?

2. what are the different types of judgment that take place in ‘the crucible’, 3. why is ‘the crucible’ considered to be timeless, 4. how does arthur miller explore mass hysteria through the lens of salem and his characters, 5. analyze the factors contributing to salem’s downfall and how they relate to the main theme of the crucible, 6. what changes does reverand hale go through during ‘the crucible’, 7. why do people accuse those who are different, and why aren’t they challenged, 8. the paper makes a consistent appearance throughout the play; what does it mean, 9. what is a crucible, and what is the meaning of the play’s title, 10. what issues present in “the crucible” do we still face today.

Even though you can write about many characters and describe why they are heroic, the most heroic character is John Proctor. The people of Salem widely respect him because of his independence. He also has a “sharp and biting way with hypocrites,” always sticking to his virtues.

A few points to touch on in this essay include:

  • He is the main source of social authority in the town, and he is directly tied to the leaders of the Puritan Church. 
  • He is also a deeply flawed person, as he is shown to be adulterous throughout the play and crosses the church more than once.
  • He struggles with a deep moral conflict, growing throughout the play. 

Because of the growth he experiences during the story and the character traits he possesses, he is the most heroic character in the story.

It is relatively easy to look at the trials in The Salem Witch Trials and see them as a “Kangaroo Court,” where those accused don’t have a fair trial. At the same time, it is helpful to look at the different types of judgment that occur in the play. A few possible points to mention include:

  • There is an element of legal judgment in the play, but it is mostly superficial. Danforth is responsible for legal judgment, but this is natural justice because of its dogmatic focus on reputation. 
  • There is also an element of personal judgment, particularly when Proctor believes himself to be a “sinner” that has gone against the morals he holds himself to. 
  • Finally, there is also spiritual judgment, as shown when Elizabeth assures Proctor that there is “no higher judge under the heaven.” The town is also fearful of God’s judgment throughout the play, contributing to mass hysteria.

The essay can look at these different types of judgment and how they impact the town during the play. 

A lot of people describe the play as a timeless one. The play is still relevant today, even though it focuses on events over 300 years ago. An interesting essay would look at why the play is still relevant today. Some of the reasons include:

  • Mass hysteria can still happen today, and it might be worth looking at a few recent examples.
  • Dogmatic religious persecution is still a very big problem in certain parts of the world, and a strong essay could highlight a few examples.
  • A lot of people are still accused of crimes without any evidence, and the court of public opinion might find them guilty before a real trial has taken place.

These topics are so deep that it is possible to write a full essay on each of the individual points above, drawing parallels between them and the play. 

Many people say that The Crucible is the perfect example of just how badly instances of mass hysteria can unfold. Mass hysteria is arguably the most dominant theme of the play, as the people of Salem are engulfed by worries related to witchcraft and accusations of people worshipping the devil. 

It could be helpful to write an essay on how mass hysteria developed and evolved during the play. Some of the key points to note include:

  • People who are consumed by mass hysteria are unable to think rationally.
  • One rumor that Abigail creates leads to dozens of people being incarcerated in just a matter of days, despite the accusations being unproven.
  • The effects of mass incarceration directly influence a very repressive society.
  • Many people feel the need to join the repressive crowd because they want to be seen as religious.

Finally, the essay can also touch on how mass hysteria impacted not only those people who were accused but also those making the accusations. Then, the essay can discuss what finally brought these events to an end. 

Several factors contribute to the downfall of Ceylon and the events that unfold in The Crucible. A few examples include:

  • Samuel Parris, Annie Putnam, and even Judge Danforth struggled with the living conditions of Salem, which caused people not to think straight. He rendered them susceptible to anyone offering the slightest explanation regarding the adverse living conditions.
  • The rigid, religious, dogmatic society contributed to easy accusations, with people eager for someone to blame for the hard times.
  • Family feuds also contributed to the events of The Crucible , causing the parents to believe the haphazard lies of their children.

Ultimately, these factors can be discussed in an essay on The Crucible. They directly feed into the main theme of mass hysteria stemming from religious dogmatism.

In the play The Crucible , Reverend Hale is one of the most important characters. He initially supported The Salem Witch Trials, but then he changed his mind. He even published a harsh criticism of the trials in the town of Salem.

Some of the key points to note include:

  • He initially supported the trials, even saying, “ Before the Laws of God, we are as swine !”
  • He is a perfect example of how a powerful religious figure can directly lead to mass hysteria.
  • He eventually changes his mind when he loses faith in the court, seeing how immoral it is.

Reverend Hale undergoes one of the most dramatic transformations as the play unfolds. It is worth taking a closer look at his initial position, his final position, and the impact of his transformation on his life and the town. 

It might also be helpful to look at some of the biggest reasons people accuse those different from them. A few points to include in the essay might be:

  • People tend to accuse those who are different because they are scared of them. They don’t know what to expect, and keeping them down might be the easiest way to allay their fears.
  • People might also accuse those different from them because they see an easy target. They feel like they can elevate their social standing by taking advantage of easy prey.
  • Finally, people might somehow accuse those different from them because they genuinely believe them to be “lesser” people. It might be helpful to draw a few parallels between the play and history.

It is also important to highlight why these accusations go unchallenged. Do they want a side with the person making the accusation? Or do they want to side with the person being accused? Some people try to ride the middle, not saying anything at all.

Ultimately, they agree with the person accusing by not saying anything because they are not challenging an accusation, even if it is without evidence. This could be an interesting topic to explore, and there are plenty of parallels between this topic and the play. 

In The Crucible , the paper shows up again and again. In other works of literature, it is commonly associated with truth and knowledge. After all, it is how events are recorded. This play is more closely associated with individualism and mortality. Some of the points to note include:

  • The paper shows up in the play as the judicial list naming the people who have been condemned for witchcraft, demonstrating moral issues.
  • Then, the paper shows up again, outlining the crimes Proctor is accused of, showing issues related to morality and individualism.
  • The paper also shows up again when Proctor refuses to sign his testimony or have his false confession recorded with his signature on it or “posted on the church door,” alluding to morality and individualism.

These are just a few of the biggest ways that paper stands for morality and individualism. Of course, there are several other possibilities, and a strong essay would back up any claim with evidence from the play. 

Essays About The Crucible: What is a crucible, and what is the meaning of the play’s title?

Even though The Crucible focuses on The Salem Witch Trials, it is helpful to take a step back and think about why the play is named for a crucible. A crucible is a metal container that can melt substances when exposed to high temperatures. This essay will draw a parallel between the purpose of a crucible and its relation to the play.

A few key points to note include:

  • Danforth states, “ we burn a fire in here… ” drawing a parallel between the fires of hell and the court proceedings that are about to unfold.
  • The court’s goal is to separate good from evil, just as a crucible burns up evil inside the container, leaving only the good left.
  • The town goes on a violent witch hunt, accusing people indiscriminately, just as the crucible fires can sometimes burn so hot that nothing is left.

There are plenty of parallels between the name of the play and the container for which it is named. 

Finally, it could also be helpful to write an essay on whether you believe the issues present in the play are still present today. A few points to touch on include:

  • Many people are concerned with developing “fake news” and “alternative facts.” How do you think these issues are similar to the mass hysteria presented in The Crucible? 
  • What role do you think leaders in our government are supposed to play, and how do you see our leaders falling short like those in The Crucible ? 
  • How did the events of The Crucible eventually come to an end, and what do you think our leaders should do today? 

This topic can be very politically charged, but it is still important for people to think about. It can push even professional writers to think critically about what they believe, why they believe it, and what it might mean for the future. 

If you are interested in learning more, check out our essay writing topics !

the crucible essay conclusion

Bryan Collins is the owner of Become a Writer Today. He's an author from Ireland who helps writers build authority and earn a living from their creative work. He's also a former Forbes columnist and his work has appeared in publications like Lifehacker and Fast Company.

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COMMENTS

  1. The Crucible: Mini Essays

    The trials in The Crucible take place against the backdrop of a deeply religious and superstitious society, and most of the characters in the play seem to believe that rooting out witches from their community is God's work. However, there are plenty of simmering feuds and rivalries in the small town that have nothing to do with religion, and many Salem residents take advantage of the trials ...

  2. The Conclusion Of The Crucible: [Essay Example], 687 words

    Published: Mar 14, 2024. In the heart-wrenching conclusion of Arthur Miller's iconic play, "The Crucible," the town of Salem is left shattered by the devastating consequences of mass hysteria and false accusations. As the dust settles and the trials come to an end, the characters are forced to confront the harsh realities of their actions and ...

  3. The Crucible Essay Examples ️ Topic Ideas on GradesFixer

    Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: In conclusion, the persuasive argument against Abigail Williams in The Crucible highlights the character's destructive influence and moral culpability. As we reflect on the consequences of her actions, we are reminded of the dangers of unchecked ambition and manipulation in society.

  4. The Crucible Critical Essays

    I. Thesis Statement: One central motif of The Crucible is the importance of a good name. The meaning of a good name to John Proctor at the end of the play, however, is vastly different from the ...

  5. What is the conclusion of The Crucible?

    The Crucible ultimately ends as a tragedy. In Act IV, the audience is transported to the Salem jail cell. At the top of the act, Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor are both scheduled to be hanged ...

  6. The Crucible: Study Guide

    The Crucible by Arthur Miller, published in 1953, is a classic play that delves into the Salem witch trials of 1692. Set in the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts, Miller's play unfolds as a chilling allegory for the Red Scare and McCarthyism of the 1950s. The plot centers on the hysteria that erupts when a group of girls, led by Abigail ...

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    The Crucible is an indictment of society's attitudes towards religion and sexuality, I would argue, rather than an attempt to make a point about specific events in recent history. In Miller's ...

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    The Crucible. Two plays by Arthur Miller, Death of a Salesman and The Crucible, both contend that society is the indifferent, sometimes brutal, force that crushes an individual. Although the plays take place in different time periods, they each convey the force...

  9. The Crucible Study Guide

    The Crucible is a fictionalized account of the Salem Witch trials of 1692, in which 19 innocent men and women were killed by hanging and hundreds convicted before the panic subsided. Yet while The Crucible depicts one witch-hunt, it was written during another. In the 1950s, during the first years of the Cold War, a Senator named Joseph McCarthy rose to power by whipping the nation into a ...

  10. The Crucible: Plot Analysis: [Essay Example], 537 words

    Conclusion: The Power of Fear and Hysteria. In conclusion, "The Crucible" is a powerful and compelling exploration of the destructive power of fear and hysteria. The plot is driven by a complex web of relationships, personal and political conflicts, and the struggle for truth and justice. As the characters grapple with the consequences of their ...

  11. The Crucible: A+ Student Essay: The Role of Sex & Sexual Repression in

    A+ Student Essay: The Role of Sex & Sexual Repression in the Play. Part of the enduring appeal of Arthur Miller's The Crucible lies in its resonance with various contemporary events. While the play is certainly a critique of the McCarthy era, it can also be read as a commentary on anti-feminism, fascism, or any number of other repressive ...

  12. 87 The Crucible Essay Topics & Examples

    The Crucible is a play by famous American playwright Arthur Miller that premiered in 1953 in NYC. It is based on a true story of the Salem witch trials that took place in the late 17th century. In your The Crucible essay, you might want to make a literary analysis of the play. Another option is to focus on one of the themes or symbols used by Miller.

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    In this the crucible literary analysis essay, the focus will be on examining how Miller uses a historical narrative to comment on the political and moral issues of his own time. ... Conclusion. In "The Crucible," Arthur Miller masterfully uses the Salem witch trials as an allegory for the McCarthyism that swept through the United States in the ...

  14. The Crucible Critical Essay Introductions and Conclusions ...

    Arthur Millers 'The Crucible' is a play where a character is forced to face up to the truth about themselves. John Proctor is a crucial character in the play who's actions influence the outcome of everyone else. John's struggles and worries of his tainted past are clearly shown throughout the play. Only through the personal sacrifice ...

  15. The Crucible Critical Overview

    The Crucible is a particularly popular school text in both the U.S. and Britain. In Modern Drama, critic Robert A Martin summed up the popularity of Miller's play when he noted that it "has ...

  16. The Crucible: Exploring Morality, Conscience, and Social Justice

    As we navigate the complexities of our modern world, the lessons from "The Crucible" remain strikingly relevant. The play underscores the timeless struggle between personal ethics and collective values, a tension that continues to shape the course of history.

  17. Essays About The Crucible: 10 Essay Questions for Students

    The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is a play that focuses on The Salem Witch Trials. This is one of the most studied times in American history when people could be put on trial and brutally executed just for being suspected of being a witch. The primary instigator was Elizabeth Proctor, who was just 17 years old and started falsely accusing people ...

  18. What is a good conclusion for The Crucible, with focus on the theme of

    Essays and Criticism ... "What is a good conclusion for The Crucible, with focus on the theme of reputation and societal conformity?" edited by eNotes Editorial, 30 May 2010, https://www.enotes ...

  19. The Crucible Conclusion

    The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953 about The Salem Witch Trials of 1692.McCarthyism was the "witch hunt" for the communist in 1953.the parallels between The Crucible and McCarthyism are naming names,lack of proof ,and reststance. The first reason they are parallel is because of naming names.

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    Conclusion; The Crucible is a play written by Arthur Miller in 1953, based on the events of the Salem witch trials that took place in the late 17th century. The play is a powerful commentary on the dangers of mass hysteria, fear, and the manipulation of power. ... Literary Elements in "The Crucible" Essay. The play The Crucible, tells the story ...

  21. The Crucible Reputation Essay

    The Crucible Reputation Essay. In the play, "The Crucible", reputation is viewed as a main and important theme, representing its significance in the lives of the characters among the Salem witch trials. The characters' obsession with maintaining or reclaiming their reputations affect a lot of the play, revealing the destructive power of ...

  22. The Crucible: Suggested Essay Topics

    Compare the roles that Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams play in The Crucible. 2. What role does sex, and sexual repression, play in The Crucible? 3. Why are Danforth, Hathorne, and the other authorities so resistant to believing the claim that Abigail and the other girls are lying? 4. What kind of government does Salem have?

  23. HSC Common Module Essay

    HSC Common Module Essay for The Crucible. Final essay used in HSC for... View more. Subject. English. 999+ Documents. Students shared 1890 documents in this course. Degree • Grade HSC • 12. School The Ponds High School. Academic year: 2021/2022. Uploaded by: ... In conclusion, texts can extend responders' awareness of crucial concepts ...

  24. The Crucible Suggested Essay Topics

    1. Explore the various ways Abby explains her behavior in the woods to different characters in the play. What are the motives for each of her explanations? 2. Discuss John Proctor as an individual ...