the crucible research paper topics

The Crucible Research Paper Topics

The Crucible research paper topics provide a vast array of options for students to delve deeply into the many aspects of this significant play by Arthur Miller. From exploring the historical context of the Salem witch trials, the themes of mass hysteria and deception, to dissecting the complexities of its key characters, there is an abundance of directions one can take while diving into The Crucible . This play not only offers a profound look into the human psyche and the impacts of societal pressures but also provides a lens through which we can analyze the past and draw parallels to the present day. As an essential piece of literature, The Crucible holds immense value for academic exploration and research.

100  The Crucible Research Paper Topics

Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a rich piece of literature that delves into themes of mass hysteria, the Salem witch trials, and the McCarthyism era. The variety of themes and characters present in the play allows for a wide range of The Crucible research paper topics that can be explored by students. This list is divided into ten different categories, each offering an array of intriguing subjects for your research paper.

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• Comparison between the real history of the Salem Witch Trials and the events in The Crucible .
• The influence of religion on 17th-century society as depicted in The Crucible .
• Societal norms and customs of 17th century New England and their portrayal in The Crucible .
• A history of witchcraft accusations before the Salem witch trials.
• The role of land disputes in fueling accusations during the Salem witch trials.
• The impact of the Puritan belief system on the events of the Salem witch trials.
• The role of the judicial system in the Salem witch trials.
• A comparison of the Salem witch trials and McCarthyism.
• The historical repercussions of the Salem witch trials.
• The societal reaction to Arthur Miller’s The Crucible during its initial release.

Character Analysis

• The evolution of John Proctor throughout The Crucible .
• The role of Abigail Williams in the events of The Crucible .
• The character of Reverend Hale and his journey from certainty to doubt.
• The significance of Elizabeth Proctor’s character in The Crucible .
• The role of Deputy Governor Danforth in The Crucible .
• The character analysis of Mary Warren in The Crucible .
• The motivations of Thomas Putnam in The Crucible .
• The portrayal of Reverend Parris and his role in the Salem witch trials.
• The character of Tituba and her role in the events of The Crucible .
• The role of Giles Corey in The Crucible and his historical counterpart.
• The theme of mass hysteria in The Crucible and its relevance in the modern world.
• The role of reputation and integrity in The Crucible .
• The theme of power and authority in The Crucible .
• The portrayal of gender roles in The Crucible .
• The exploration of guilt and remorse in The Crucible .
• The theme of revenge in The Crucible .
• The role of fear and its effects on society in The Crucible .
• The theme of deception and lies in The Crucible .
• The exploration of justice and the legal system in The Crucible .
• The theme of superstition and its influence on the events in The Crucible .
• The symbol of the witch trials in The Crucible .
• The use of names as symbols in The Crucible .
• The symbol of the courtroom in The Crucible .
• The use of the poppet as a symbol in The Crucible .
• The significance of the title The Crucible .
• The symbol of the forest in The Crucible .
• The use of the Bible and religious imagery in The Crucible .
• The symbol of fire in The Crucible .
• The use of children as symbols in The Crucible .
• The symbolism of the characters’ names in The Crucible .
• The significance of the setting in The Crucible .
• How the setting influences the characters’ actions in The Crucible .
• The role of the community in shaping the setting of The Crucible .
• The contrast between the private and public settings in The Crucible .
• The role of the natural world in the setting of The Crucible .
• The influence of historical events on the setting of The Crucible .
• The significance of the courtroom setting in The Crucible .
• The role of religion in shaping the setting of The Crucible .
• The contrast between the Salem village and the surrounding forest in The Crucible .
• The influence of the setting on the development of themes in The Crucible .

Literary Devices

• The use of irony in The Crucible .
• The role of dialogue in character development in The Crucible .
• The use of foreshadowing in The Crucible and its impact on the plot.
• The role of imagery in setting the mood in The Crucible .
• The use of allegory in The Crucible and its relevance to the McCarthy era.
• The role of metaphor and simile in conveying themes in The Crucible .
• The use of dramatic monologue in The Crucible and its effect on character portrayal.
• The role of allusion in The Crucible and its significance.
• The use of symbolism in The Crucible and its impact on the narrative.
• The role of conflict (internal and external) in shaping the characters in The Crucible .

Comparison with Other Works

• A comparative analysis of The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter .
• Comparing the theme of witchcraft in The Crucible and Macbeth .
• A comparison of the portrayal of mass hysteria in The Crucible and The Lottery .
• Comparing the theme of power and authority in The Crucible and Animal Farm .
• A comparison of the portrayal of women in The Crucible and A Doll’s House .
• Comparing the theme of revenge in The Crucible and Hamlet .
• A comparison of the exploration of fear in The Crucible and 1984 .
• Comparing the theme of deception in The Crucible and Othello .
• A comparison of the exploration of justice in The Crucible and To Kill a Mockingbird .
• Comparing the theme of superstition in The Crucible and Huckleberry Finn .

Social Commentary

• The commentary on McCarthyism in The Crucible .
• The critique of Puritan society in The Crucible .
• The portrayal of the judicial system in The Crucible .
• The exploration of mob mentality in The Crucible .
• The critique of religious hypocrisy in The Crucible .
• The portrayal of gender dynamics and sexism in The Crucible .
• The exploration of the consequences of mass hysteria in The Crucible .
• The critique of authoritarianism in The Crucible .
• The portrayal of the dangers of false accusations in The Crucible .
• The exploration of the conflict between personal integrity and societal expectations in The Crucible .

Modern-Day Parallels

• The relevance of The Crucible in the modern era of fake news.
• The parallels between the witch trials in The Crucible and modern-day conspiracy theories.
• The relevance of the theme of mass hysteria in The Crucible to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The parallels between the power dynamics in The Crucible and modern-day politics.
• The relevance of the theme of reputation and integrity in The Crucible to the era of social media.
• The parallels between the religious hypocrisy in The Crucible and modern-day religious extremism.
• The relevance of the theme of fear and its effects on society in The Crucible to the post-9/11 era.
• The parallels between the deception and lies in The Crucible and the era of fake news.
• The relevance of the exploration of justice and the legal system in The Crucible to the modern-day Black Lives Matter movement.
• The parallels between the superstition in The Crucible and modern-day conspiracy theories.

Impact and Legacy

• The impact of The Crucible on modern literature.
• The legacy of The Crucible in popular culture.
• The influence of The Crucible on subsequent portrayals of witchcraft and mass hysteria in literature and film.
• The impact of The Crucible on the perception of the Salem witch trials.
• The legacy of The Crucible in the context of the McCarthy era.
• The influence of The Crucible on modern drama.
• The impact of The Crucible on the portrayal of historical events in literature.
• The legacy of The Crucible in the exploration of themes such as power, deception, and integrity in literature.
• The influence of The Crucible on the portrayal of women in literature.
• The impact of The Crucible on the exploration of religious themes in literature.

In conclusion, The Crucible offers a vast range of topics for research papers, from historical context to character analysis, themes, and symbolism. This comprehensive list of The Crucible research paper topics will help students explore various aspects of the play and gain a deeper understanding of the themes and characters Arthur Miller portrayed.

The Crucible

And the range of research paper topics it offers.

The Crucible , a play written by Arthur Miller, is a timeless piece of literature that is still widely studied in schools and universities around the world. One reason for its enduring popularity is the range of research paper topics it offers. This article will explore some of these topics and explain why The Crucible is such a rich source of inspiration for students and researchers alike.

The Crucible was written in 1953, at the height of the McCarthy era in the United States. This was a time of intense fear and suspicion, as people were accused of being communists and traitors without any solid evidence. Miller wrote The Crucible as a response to this hysteria, drawing parallels between the witch trials in Salem in the 17th century and the communist witch hunt in the 20th century. This makes The Crucible not only a historical drama but also a political allegory, and opens up a range of research paper topics on the themes of hysteria, fear, and authority.

One important theme in The Crucible is the role of fear in society. The characters in the play are constantly afraid – of the witches, of the authorities, and of each other. This fear drives them to make irrational decisions, accuse innocent people, and even commit murder. A research paper could explore the psychological and sociological aspects of fear, using The Crucible as a case study. For example, how does fear affect individual decision-making? How does it spread in a community? What are its long-term effects? These are just a few of the many questions that The Crucible raises about fear.

Another important theme in The Crucible is the abuse of authority. Several characters in the play misuse their power to manipulate others, advance their own interests, or avoid punishment. For example, Judge Danforth uses his position to intimidate others and suppress any opposition to the witch trials. Abigail Williams manipulates the court to get rid of Elizabeth Proctor, whom she sees as a rival for John Proctor’s affection. A research paper could examine the different ways in which authority is abused in the play, and the consequences of this abuse. This could include a discussion of the historical context, as the McCarthy era was also marked by the abuse of authority.

The Crucible also raises important questions about integrity and deception. Many characters in the play lie or deceive others, sometimes with disastrous consequences. For example, John Proctor lies about his affair with Abigail, which ultimately leads to his own downfall. Conversely, some characters, such as Elizabeth Proctor and Rebecca Nurse, maintain their integrity even in the face of death. A research paper could explore the different ways in which characters in The Crucible approach the concepts of truth and lies, and what this says about their moral character.

In addition to these thematic topics, The Crucible offers a range of research paper topics related to its historical and literary context. For example, a research paper could examine the historical accuracy of the play, and the extent to which Miller took creative liberties with the facts. Another possible topic is the influence of The Crucible on subsequent literature and popular culture, including films, TV shows, and other plays. Finally, a research paper could explore the critical reception of The Crucible when it was first performed, and how this has changed over time.

To summarize, The Crucible is a rich source of research paper topics due to its thematic depth, historical context, and literary influence. Whether you are interested in psychology, sociology, history, or literature, The Crucible offers a range of topics that can be explored in a research paper. With its timeless themes of fear, authority, and deception, The Crucible remains as relevant today as it was when it was first written.

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128 The Crucible Essay Topic Ideas & Examples

Inside This Article

The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, is a timeless classic that explores themes of power, hysteria, and morality in the context of the Salem witch trials. This play continues to be studied and analyzed in classrooms around the world, making it a popular choice for essay topics. If you're struggling to come up with ideas for your essay on The Crucible, don't worry ''' we've got you covered with 128 topic ideas and examples to inspire you.

Analyze the character of John Proctor and his role in the play.

Discuss the theme of power and its effects on the characters in The Crucible.

Explore the role of religion in the Salem witch trials and in the play.

Compare and contrast the characters of Abigail Williams and Elizabeth Proctor.

Examine the theme of hysteria in The Crucible and its relevance to modern society.

Discuss the symbolism of the title "The Crucible" and its significance in the play.

Analyze the relationship between John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, and how it evolves throughout the play.

Explore the theme of justice in The Crucible and how it is portrayed.

Discuss the role of the supernatural in the play and its impact on the characters.

Examine the theme of reputation and how it motivates the characters' actions in the play.

Compare and contrast the characters of Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale.

Analyze the role of fear in the Salem witch trials and in The Crucible.

Discuss the theme of guilt and redemption in the play.

Explore the theme of betrayal and its consequences in The Crucible.

Examine the role of women in the play and how they are portrayed.

Analyze the theme of intolerance and its effects on the characters in The Crucible.

Discuss the theme of truth and lies in the play and how they shape the characters' actions.

Compare and contrast the characters of Mary Warren and Tituba.

Explore the theme of mass hysteria and its causes in The Crucible.

Analyze the role of authority figures in the play and how they contribute to the events of the Salem witch trials.

Discuss the theme of scapegoating in The Crucible and its consequences.

Examine the theme of judgment and how it is portrayed in the play.

Analyze the theme of manipulation and deceit in The Crucible.

Explore the theme of vengeance and its effects on the characters in the play.

Discuss the theme of forgiveness and its significance in The Crucible.

Compare and contrast the characters of Giles Corey and Thomas Putnam.

Analyze the role of the court in the Salem witch trials and in The Crucible.

Discuss the theme of mass hysteria and its relevance to modern society.

Examine the theme of paranoia and how it influences the characters' actions in the play.

Analyze the theme of individual vs. society in The Crucible.

Discuss the theme of morality and ethics in the play.

Analyze the theme of power and corruption in The Crucible.

Explore the role of fear in the characters' decision-making in the play.

Discuss the theme of loyalty and betrayal in The Crucible.

Examine the theme of redemption and its significance in the play.

Analyze the role of religion in the characters' lives and how it influences their actions.

Discuss the theme of hysteria and its effects on the characters in The Crucible.

Explore the theme of truth and lies in the play and how they shape the characters' actions.

Analyze the theme of reputation and how it motivates the characters' actions in the play.

Discuss the theme of authority and how it is portrayed in the play.

Discuss the theme of vengeance and its effects on the characters in the play.

Explore the theme of forgiveness and its significance in The Crucible.

Discuss the theme of hysteria and

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87 The Crucible Essay Topics & Examples

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

🏆 A+ The Crucible Essay Examples

📌 interesting essay topics for the crucible, 🔝 best the crucible essay topics, 👍 most catchy the crucible essay titles, ❓ the crucible essay questions.

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.
• 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 […]
• 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 […]
• 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”?
• Chicago (A-D)
• Chicago (N-B)

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Research Paper Ideas for "The Crucible"

Kristine tucker.

"The Crucible," a play by Arthur Miller, opened on Broadway in 1953. Research paper topics should center on historical factors and societal influences addressed in the play and those that offer backstory. "The Crucible" is a fictional story of the Salem witch trials, but is based on true accounts. A group of young girls accuse local town members of witchcraft, so several husbands try to convince the trial judges that the girls are lying. One husband, John Proctor, admits to committing adultery with one of the young accusers to save his wife.

Explore this article

• Salem Witch Trials
• Puritanism and Sexual Repression
• McCarthyism and the Red Scare
• "Death of a Salesman" Comparisons

1 Salem Witch Trials

Write a research paper about the real 1692 Salem, Massachusetts, witch trials when 19 men and women and two dogs were hanged for supposed involvement in witchcraft. Discuss the negative elements associated with witchcraft during that time, and why Salem residents were eager to prosecute the so-called demonic activists, suggests Randall Bass, English professor at Georgetown University. Research and explain why witchcraft hysteria divided the town and how politicians and religious leaders used the trials for their own ends, according the Department of Theatre and Dance at Florida Atlantic University.

2 Puritanism and Sexual Repression

Discuss the role Puritanism and theocracy played in the lives of New England residents during the 17th century. Sin of any kind, including witchcraft, was thought to be a destructive force in the lives of Puritans, so patrons and religious leaders took a strong stance against it. Research how intolerance led to poor decisions and a lack of empathy. New England leaders had little respect for individuality and wanted everyone to conform to their Puritan ideals. Discuss how sexual repression likely led to the witchcraft accusations, according to some, including English professor Pat Swenson at California State University in Northridge.

3 McCarthyism and the Red Scare

Choose a thesis for your research paper that discusses how McCarthyism and the fear of communism influenced Miller's play. The backstory to "The Crucible" centers on American fears during the 1950s, including communism and nuclear war. Tensions between the United States and Russia increased, so many Americans, fearing annihilation, blindly supported the criminal charges made against innocent people by Sen. Joseph McCarthy. Discuss the similarities between the Salem witch trials and the McCarthy-initiated trials of the 1950s.

4 "Death of a Salesman" Comparisons

Compare and contrast "The Crucible" with Arthur Miller's most famous play, "Death of a Salesman." Brooks Atkinson, a reporter for "The New York Times," reported the day after the opening of "The Crucible" that theme developments weren't as eloquent as those in "Death of a Salesman." Discuss common themes, similarities between the characters, differences in the settings, outcomes and overriding moods. Explain why "Death of a Salesman" was a bigger box office hit than "The Crucible."

• 1 The University of Missouri, Kansas City School of Law: The Crucible by Arthur Miller (1952)
• 2 Georgetown University: Arthur Miller (b. 1915) -- Contributing Editor: Robert A. Martin; Randall Bass
• 3 Florida Atlantic University: Arthur Miller's "The Crucible"
• 4 ibiblio: Arthur Miller -- Teaching Resources, Guides and Resources for Selected Plays

About the Author

As curriculum developer and educator, Kristine Tucker has enjoyed the plethora of English assignments she's read (and graded!) over the years. Her experiences as vice-president of an energy consulting firm have given her the opportunity to explore business writing and HR. Tucker has a BA and holds Ohio teaching credentials.

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104 The Crucible Essay Topics For In Depth Analysis

The Crucible is a seventeenth-century play authored by Arthur Miller. The play explains what happened to a group of young Salem women who accused other villagers of witchcraft.

Although fictionalized, the play is based on a true-life story, characterized by John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, Abigail Williams, Rebecca, Reverend Hale, Mrs., and Danforth.

The book is significant to high school, college, and university students, and this is because teachers and professors widely recommend it.

The Crucible is about a real-life trial that occurred in Massachusetts around 1692 to 1693. In the book, over 200 villagers were accused of witchcraft by the Salem women, and 19 people were hanged.

Before you decide to get on The Crucible essay prompts or the Salem Witch Trials essay topics, know the play is so vast it covers everything about life. Aside from the play exploring the allegory of the Salem Witch Trials, it also lays bare the spheres of humanity at the individual and the community level. Regardless, find below The Crucible cause and effect topics for your English essays and research.

The Crucible Essay Guideline

To write a good literature essay on The Crucible, try your best to keep in mind a few of these points. This will help you develop and write a successful Crucible essay your teachers will appreciate and grant you top marks for. Here’s some advice:

• Engaging Introduction: All essays begin with an intro, and your literature essay is not an exclusion. In the introduction you have to properly introduce the topic and state your thesis. The extensive list below can provide you with ideas on good topics that can fuel your analysis.
• Solid Structure: A great essay will have a solid, clear structure which aids in communicating the information in an understandable way. When there is structure and form to the essay then the reader will have a clearer understanding of the points you are trying to make. A traditional structure is made up of: an introduction, three body paragraphs and a conclusion.
• Cite Your Sources: If you are using external readings and sources, make sure to cite them in the correct format. The most popular ones are MLA and APA citation formats, but you should specify with your teacher what to use.
• Valid Support: When analyzing a piece of literature, you have to give supporting examples to explain your statements and interpretations. Usually you can use a paragraph to talk about one idea.
• Editing: A key aspect to remember is editing your essay. A well edited essay will come across as complete and well rounded. It will show that you care about your work, so make sure to leave time for the editing process.

If you keep these details in mind, your Crucible essay will come out fantastic!

The Crucible Essay Topics

For the Crucible reputation essay, you can have an in depth insight into what the drama is all about by going through topics. So, if you need essay topics for The Crucible, you can consider the following:

• Examine how Arthur Miller explored thematic questions from the start of the drama till the end.
• Examine the reasons why the villagers accused those who are different from the agreed norm.
• Evaluate why those who are in on evil are not accused, although there are rightful suspicions.
• Give an overview of the drama, The Crucible, and how it was valuable to the society Arthur Miller lived in.
• Give an insight into how The Crucible is still valuable today and how it can be said to be a timeless drama.
• Examine the technical features of the drama, including the language, time, and place.
• Examine the issues that were visible in The Crucible that are still evident in today’s society.
• Examine the challenges of Reverend Hale and the changes he went through in Arthur Miller’s 1953 drama.
• Examine the opinions of previous writers on the Salem Witch Trials.
• Read journals about the real-life Salem Witch Trials in Massachusetts and relate it to the facts in the drama.
• Examine how the judgment of Judge Hawthorne showed that he abused his power.
• Examine why Tituba is described as one of the most sympathetic characters in the 1953 drama.
• Would you consider John Proctor an example of a classic tragic hero in the Crucible?
• What do you think are the social and political undertones that follow the accusations of witchcraft in the drama?
• Examine the dynamics of the character, John Proctor, and his dilemma throughout the work.
• Would you say there would be different narratives if the drama had been written by any other playwright today?
• Examine the drama as a symbol of political or historical event of your choice.
• Examine the seven deadly sins which were discussed in the book and how it relates to the present world.
• Analyze the tests that the characters who were accused of witchcraft has RJ face and pass your comment on them.
• Would you say the people in the drama were greedy? Back up your assertion with evidence.

The Crucible Research Topics

The Crucible essay may be thrilling to write about as an interesting and engaging drama. To enhance your encounter with it, consider the Crucible research topics or the Crucible reputation topics. The following are topics that discussed the nitty-gritty of the book:

• Discuss the reputation and development of any five characters of your choice throughout the play.
• Discuss the role of the community in the events that led to the arrest of the alleged witches.
• Give a comprehensive analysis of the Salem trial downfall and the roles the active characters played.
• Give a careful examination of the actions of Reverend Parris concerning his motive in supporting the witch trial.
• What is the role of the government of Salem in all the events that unfold?
• Explicitly discuss the relationship between Proctor and Elizabeth and how it may have been a decisive factor in Abigail’s actions.
• In the literal sense, explain the meaning of the Crucible and how the title applies to the actions in the drama.
• Compare and contrast the negative and positive features of Proctor and his wife.
• Elizabeth is the leader of the naked girl: write a thorough overview about her and what she did in the forest. Would you say she can be labeled a witch?
• Discuss Abigail’s plan in getting rid of Elizabeth. How did the forest display help in executing the plan?
• Discuss what happened in the forest and why the girls are found naked.
• Discuss the morals of John Proctor concerning his flaws.
• The effect of society in the psychology of Abigail.
• Analyze the concept of morality and the position of Puritans regarding individual and collective effort.
• The drama is tragedy: support your claims.
• Describe the expected mood of the community if almost all the prominent families were executed.
• Using the definition of evil in the book, compare and contrast the evil actions of the characters.
• The prevalent deadly sins in the Crucible.
• Using the women in John Proctor’s life as a case study, clearly state the implication of an impossible love.
• What was the text in the drama? Which character(s) failed the test.

The Crucible Literary Analysis Essay Topics

Salem Witch Trials essay topics may interest you as you may want to consider the cause and effect topics through in depth research. Consider these essay prompts for the Crucible:

• Give a thorough examination on if the Marxist critical lens or the feminist critical lens is employed in the 1953 drama of Arthur Miller.
• Give an overview of how Arthur Miller treated his women in his 1953 book.
• Examine the most central theme in the drama regarding the elements of drama that Aristotle provides.
• Give a thorough examination of how the Puritan form of child abuse and its influence.
• What do you understand by any two themes of the play in relationship to reality.
• Identify the most dangerous fallacies in the 1953 play.
• Examine the importance of religion in 1953 in the work.
• Would you say that the downfall of Salem contributed to the central theme in the book?
• Examine the portrayal of Giles Corey as a foolish character, although he’s later revealed with a different attribute.
• Would you say that Abigail Williams is the typical evil woman in today’s context?
• Examine the life and activities of Abigail Williams as an obsessive woman and a liar in the 1953 book.
• Analyze the role played by characters like Abigail Williams and her cohorts in the book.
• Examine the drama with any other drams you have read and analyze their similarities.
• Would you say that feminism is fundamentally also against women, given the activities of Abigail in the book?
• Examine the role of the assertion of witchery in the book and how Arthur Miller used the rhetoric to form his Arguments.
• Examine how any five of the characters of your choice developed a reputation.
• Examine the process of discovery for Reverend Hale, Elizabeth Proctor, and John Proctor.
• Study the effect of the time and place of writing the drama on Arthur Miller.
• Give an argument to buttress the point that Abigail Williams has the most significant fault in the events of the play.
• Who is the savior of the play, in your opinion, and what did the person do?

The Crucible Themes Essay Topics

The Crucible presents themes that border around lies, deceit, ulterior motive, fear, and fear-induced actions. These themes gave Arthur Miller’s work a reflecting capacity of man‘s response to dire situations. The themes include:

• The influence of society in cocooning toxic behavior.
• Implications of poor investigation in a judicial system.
• The notion of human cruelty in the name of religion.
• Intolerance, as inspired by the book
• Actions and consequences.
• Infidelity .
• Ownership and property.
• The destructive power of deception
• False accusations as the greatest injustice.
• The unhealthy effect of class division prevalent in 1600
• The judgment below reasonable doubt.
• Upholding of reputation to the detriment of others.
• The thin line between ignorance and wisdom.
• The deciding power of authority.
• Hysteria and corruption.
• The essence of obsession.
• The influence of the theocratic state.
• Hysterical characters.
• The risks of reputation.
• Righteousness is an agreed disguise.

The Crucible Argumentative Essay Topics

The primary purpose of an argumentative essay is to draw an inference based on facts. These are the Crucible essay questions that should be asked for an informative idea about the story. You can consider these topics:

• Why do we need to read the Crucible at all?
• Examine the Crucible as a tragedy through Aristotle’s six elements of tragedy
• Those religious practices in the Crucible still exist
• Would there be any difference if the drama were written at another time and place?
• How does religion influence morality, as shown in the drama?
• What are the causes and effects of the Crucible in its literal sense?
• Is witch execution effective in raising social standards as depicted in the book?
• Does Arthur Miller support the witch hunt and execution in the 1953 book?
• The practice of accusing innocent people cannot end: discuss.
• Abigail’s actions are justified because she’s a victim of social injustice.
• Did the epiphany of Reverend Hale make positive or negative changes?
• The Salem trials is a replica of the cancel culture: discuss.
• How is the Massachusetts Bay Colony even similar to the drama.
• Would you blame Abigail or the community in the book?
• John Proctor affair, what is your idea of the seducer?
• Comment on John Proctor as an honest, upright man.
• Examine if Abigail Williams is genuinely a reliable witness.
• There is an irony revealed about Salem in the book, discuss.
• Making inferences to the book: all judges are evil. Comment.

The Crucible Writing Prompts

If you like writing prompts to flex your creative muscle, you can consider the following topics as college and university students. Note that all these center on the significance of the story:

• The end justifies the means: comment on Abigail’s actions.
• How does the book relate to the Holocaust?
• The play: what is real and what is not real?
• The book has more significant meanings than it is shown; discuss.
• Abigail’s actions are disgusting: discuss.

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Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Books — The Crucible

Essays on The Crucible

The crucible essay topic examples.

Engage deeply with the themes and characters in Arthur Miller's timeless play, The Crucible . Find a selection of essay topics, introduction paragraph examples, and conclusion paragraph examples for various essay types. Remember, your choice of topic can significantly impact the quality and depth of your essay.

Argumentative Essays

Argumentative essays require you to analyze and present arguments related to the play. Here are some topic examples:

• 1. Analyze the role of fear and hysteria in driving the events of The Crucible .
• 2. Argue whether John Proctor's decision to confess or maintain his innocence is more heroic.

Example Introduction Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: Arthur Miller's The Crucible unfurls a harrowing tale of fear, suspicion, and mass hysteria in the context of the Salem witch trials. This essay delves into the pivotal role played by fear and hysteria in the unfolding drama, examining their effects on the characters and society in the crucible of accusations and trials.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for an Argumentative Essay: In conclusion, the exploration of fear and hysteria in The Crucible underscores their destructive power on both individual lives and the fabric of a community. As we reflect on the events in Salem, we are compelled to consider the consequences of allowing fear to govern our actions and judgments.

Compare and Contrast Essays

Compare and contrast essays enable you to examine similarities and differences within the play or between it and other literary works. Consider these topics:

• 1. Compare and contrast the characters of John Proctor and Giles Corey in terms of their moral integrity.
• 2. Analyze the similarities and differences between the Salem witch trials depicted in The Crucible and the McCarthy era's witch hunt for communists in the 1950s.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: The characters of John Proctor and Giles Corey in Arthur Miller's The Crucible offer contrasting perspectives on moral integrity and resistance to injustice. This essay explores the distinctive qualities of these characters, shedding light on their respective roles in the tumultuous world of Salem.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Compare and Contrast Essay: In conclusion, the comparison and contrast of John Proctor and Giles Corey illuminate the multifaceted nature of moral integrity and resistance in the face of persecution. By examining these characters in tandem, we gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of human virtue and defiance.

Descriptive Essays

Descriptive essays allow you to vividly depict settings, characters, or events within the play. Explore these topic ideas:

• 1. Describe the eerie atmosphere of the courtroom during the witch trials in The Crucible .
• 2. Paint a detailed portrait of Abigail Williams, focusing on her motivations and manipulative tactics.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: The courtroom scenes in Arthur Miller's The Crucible are charged with tension and suspense. This essay endeavors to capture the haunting atmosphere of the courtroom during the witch trials, immersing the reader in the unsettling dynamics of the accusers and the accused.

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Descriptive Essay: In conclusion, the descriptive portrayal of the courtroom in The Crucible not only serves as a backdrop but also mirrors the oppressive weight of injustice and fear. Through this exploration, we are reminded of the enduring power of setting and atmosphere in storytelling.

Persuasive Essays

Persuasive essays involve arguing a point of view related to the play. Consider these persuasive topics:

• 1. Persuade your readers that Abigail Williams is the most morally reprehensible character in The Crucible .
• 2. Argue for or against the idea that the play is a timeless cautionary tale about the dangers of religious extremism.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Persuasive Essay: Abigail Williams, in Arthur Miller's The Crucible , emerges as a character shrouded in moral ambiguity and manipulation. This essay takes a persuasive stance in asserting that Abigail is the most morally reprehensible character, examining her actions and motivations within the crucible of Salem.

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.

Narrative Essays

Narrative essays offer you the opportunity to tell a story or share personal experiences related to the themes of The Crucible . Explore these narrative essay topics:

• 1. Narrate a personal experience where you faced a moral dilemma similar to those in the play.
• 2. Imagine yourself as a character in Salem during the witch trials and recount your experiences.

Example Introduction Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In the crucible of everyday life, we often encounter moral dilemmas that challenge our principles and values. This narrative essay delves into a personal experience where I grappled with a moral dilemma akin to those faced by characters in Arthur Miller's The Crucible .

Example Conclusion Paragraph for a Narrative Essay: In conclusion, the narrative of my personal moral dilemma reflects the enduring relevance of the themes in The Crucible . It reminds us of the constant tension between individual conscience and societal pressure, urging us to reflect on the choices we make in our own lives.

The Crucible Mood Analysis

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January 22, 1953, Arthur Miller

Play; Tragedy

Abigail Williams, Reverend John Hale, Reverend Samuel Parris, John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, Thomas Danforth, Mary Warren, John Hathorne, Giles Corey, Rebecca Nurse

McCarthyism allegory, which stands for the American prosecution of people accused of being communists.

Intolerance, Puritanism, Reputation, Hysteria, Goodness, Judgment

Historical reference to the Salem witch trials, which became a mental mirror of political hysteria.

It is based around a fictional story that speaks of Salem witch trials that take place in the Massachusetts Bay Colony with the young village girls being accused of witchcraft. As the girls are being caught by the local minister after being seen with the black slave named Tituba, one of the girls falls into a coma, which is seen as witchcraft. This Salem witch trial acts as the allegory of people being accused of Communist views.

One of the key themes in The Crucible is the aspect of goodness because every character in the book is concerned about religious factors and the ways how they will be judged by God after they die. It brings out a distorted view in terms of how far a person can go by accusing others or giving prompts of someone’s being wrong or bad. As the topics of conspiracy and being a silent witness clash in the book, it shows various comparisons of the Bay Colony to post WW2 society and the influence of the Communists. It can be approached as a reflection that one should use when thinking of what being honest and “finding one’s goodness” means.

FBI wanted the author to change one of his screenplays to make his script PRO-American by not making gangsters look like Communists. Miller's friends were also persecuted as they were asked to name those people they knew who could be the Communists. Miller tried to use as many facts as he could when speaking of Salem in 1692. The linguistic that is used in the play was converted to various speech patterns that have been used in the past and the territory. The Crucible did not have Broadway success in the beginning. Arthur Miller's passport was denied in Europe as he was told to leave since his views were against the national interests. The play has turned Salem into a popular tourist destination.

"Until an hour before the Devil fell, God thought him beautiful in Heaven." "I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it." "It is rare for people to be asked the question which puts them squarely in front of themselves." "A child's spirit is like a child, you can never catch it by running after it; you must stand still, and, for love, it will soon itself come back." "We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!"

It is an important subject when writing about inconsistencies and judgment in our society. The Crucible is a great reflection of various political agendas, religion, and social bias. Reading through the play, we are also looking at ourselves, which is why the book can be compared to any social injustice or any act where stereotypes have been used. You can use this book as a way to implement quotes when comparing anything from cheating to honesty.

Abigail Williams, the main protagonist, had an affair with John Proctor.

1. Salisbury, N. (2004). In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692. By Mary Beth Norton.(New York: Knopf, 2002. 436 pp. $30.00, isbn 0-375-40709-X.). (https://academic.oup.com/jah/article-abstract/91/1/201/762359) 2. Andrews, D. (2003). Mary Beth Norton, In the Devil's Snare: The Salem Witchcraft Crisis of 1692. New York: Alfred A. Knopf, 2002. vii 436 pp. ISBN 0-375-40709-X. Itinerario, 27(2), 177-179. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/itinerario/article/abs/mary-beth-norton-in-the-devils-snare-the-salem-witchcraft-crisis-of-1692-new-york-alfred-a-knopf-2002-vii-436-pp-isbn-037540709x/6A82CB362650054F3A059109B7C04FAA) 3. Budick, E.M. (1985). History and Other Spectres in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. Modern Drama 28(4), 535-552 (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/50/article/498714/summary) 4. Popkin, H. (1964). Arthur Miller's" The Crucible". College English, 26(2), 139-146. (https://www.jstor.org/stable/373665) 5. Curtis, P. (1965). The Crucible. Critical Review, 8, 45. (https://www.proquest.com/openview/5dd8ecd8022057c725bea9b694347a10/1?pq-origsite=gscholar&cbl=1817655) 6. Gerstle, G. (2017). American Crucible: Race and Nation in the Twentieth Century. Princeton: Princeton University Press. (https://www.degruyter.com/document/doi/10.1515/9781400883097/html#APA) 7. Miller, T. (2023). The Crucible: McCarthyism and a Historical View of Witch Hunts. Humanities. (https://owlcation.com/humanities/The-Crucible-McCarthyism-and-a-Historical-View-of-Witch-Hunts) 8. Aziz, A. (2016). Using the past to intervene in the present: spectacular framing in Arthur Miller's The Crucible. New Theatre Quarterly, 32(2), 169-180. (https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/new-theatre-quarterly/article/abs/using-the-past-to-intervene-in-the-present-spectacular-framing-in-arthur-millers-the-crucible/8B437FE241799B43CF0F11838CC4D7E1) 9. Martin, R.A. (1977). Arthur Miller's The Crucible: Background and Sources. Modern Drama 20(3), 279-292. (https://muse.jhu.edu/pub/50/article/502227/summary)

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The Crucible

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A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.

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Discussion Questions

From the infectious groupthink of accusers to the fear-mongering speeches of Reverend Parris and Judge Danforth, the Salem witch trials in The Crucible mirror Arthur Miller’s lived experiences as a named “communist” (called before Joseph McCarthy’s Committee on Un-American Activities). Analyze at least three specific moments in The Crucible that gesture toward the actions, attitudes, and rhetoric of McCarthyism.

The word “crucible” has two meanings. The term can either refer to a large (witch’s) cauldron wherein substances boil together, or a challenging test of character (a “trial by fire”). Considering both definitions, how does the title of The Crucible function as a metaphor for the events and developments in Miller’s play?

The Crucible uses the Salem witch trials to closely examine intersecting hierarchies of class, gender, and power in a conservative Puritan community. The least powerful members of society—a slave, a homeless woman, and a sexual deviant—are the first to stand accused, and the accusers themselves are young servant girls (who do not possess a great deal of political power prior to the witch trials). What messages does this play send about obtaining and maintaining power? How do power dynamics fluctuate throughout the play?

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Sat / act prep online guides and tips, most important themes in the crucible, analyzed.

Book Guides

The Crucible remains a staple of high school English because it is rich in themes that are consistently relevant to human beings regardless of time period. But these themes aren't always easy to explain or dissect in the context of the play, and they can be even harder to develop into essays. Read on for an overview of what a theme is, a list of important themes in The Crucible with specific act-by-act details, and a summary of how to use this information in your essays and other assignments.  

What’s a Theme? Why Are Themes Important?

Before I get into the nitty-gritty of how  The Crucible  themes are expressed, let's do a quick overview of what themes are and why they matter. A theme is a central topic that is addressed by a work of literature. Themes can be expressed in many different ways. In the case of a play like The Crucible , themes are revealed mainly through the dialogue of the characters. They're also revealed though events in the plot. 

Themes tell us what the purpose of the work is. What is the writer attempting to convey to the viewer? The Crucible 's themes have lent the play artistic longevity because they're more or less universal to the human experience across time.  If you hope to write an awesome essay on  The Crucible , you should have extensive knowledge of its themes. If you can show that you understand the themes of a work of literature, you've clearly mastered the material on a deeper level.  In the next few sections, I'll take a look at a group of broad themes in  The Crucible , including irony, hysteria, reputation, and power.

Theme 1: Irony

First off, what is irony? Many people are under the impression that irony is just when something happens that you don't expect (or that you really hoped wouldn't happen). In reality, true irony only happens when a situation is the exact opposite of what you would expect.  The classic example of an incorrect use of irony is in Alanis Morisette's song "Ironic" when she says that "rain on your wedding day" is an example of irony. Well, it's not. Sure, you don't expect or want rain, but it's not the polar opposite of getting married. A real example of irony would be if two married guests got into a fight about going to your wedding that ended in their divorce.

Irony abounds throughout The Crucible  as  characters who believe they are combating the Devil’s handiwork actually perform it themselves.   The ruthlessness with which the suspected witches are treated is aimed at purifying Salem, but it achieves the opposite outcome. The town slips further and further into chaos and paranoia until it reaches a point of total devastation.  As Reverend Hale says to Danforth, “Excellency, there are orphans wandering from house to house; abandoned cattle bellow on the highroads, the stink of rotting crops hangs everywhere, and no man knows when the harlots’ cry will end his life - and you wonder yet if rebellion’s spoke?” (Act 4, pg. 121).

The court's attempts to preserve Puritan morality by arresting and executing accused witches ironically lead to the removal of the most virtuous people from society. These people are the only ones who refuse to throw out false accusations or lie about involvement in witchcraft, so they find themselves condemned (this is the fate of Rebecca Nurse). This means that much of the population that remains is comprised of the power-hungry, the selfish, and the cowardly. 

There are several ironies in Act 1 that center around Abigail Williams. In her conversation with John, Abigail claims that he helped her realize all the lies she was told by two-faced people in Salem who only publicly adhere to the conventions of respectable society (pg. 22).  The irony is that, in the face of John’s rejection, Abigail turns around and creates her own lies soon after that give her increased control over the society she resents.  She puts on a fake front to get what she wants, ultimately creating a persona that’s even worse than that of the hypocrites she criticizes.   Abigail’s many deceptions are sometimes laughably ironic as she chastises others for lying even as she is spinning falsehoods.  In this act, she yells “Don’t lie!” at Tituba immediately before she tells some of the most damning lies of the play accusing Tituba of witchcraft (“ She comes to me while I sleep; she’s always making me dream corruptions!” pg. 41).

Hale also makes some unintentionally ironic statements in Act 1 when he begins his investigation.  He claims that they must not jump to conclusions based on superstition in their investigation of Betty’s affliction.  Hale is convinced that a scientific inquiry based only on facts and reality can be conducted to detect a supernatural presence. This is ironic because   searching for "the Devil's marks" as the potential cause of an ailment is inherently superstitious.

Once the accusations begin, Parris initiates an ironic thought process that persists throughout The Crucible: “You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba!” (pg. 42).  This “confess or die” mindset is one of the central ironies of the play.  The whole purpose of a trial is to hear both sides of the story before a verdict is reached.  In telling people they must confess to their crimes or be hanged, the officials show that they have already decided the person is guilty no matter what evidence is provided in their defense.

In Act 2, John Proctor’s guilt over his affair with Abigail is demonstrated through an ironic exchange with Reverend Hale. When Hale asks him to recite his commandments, the only one he forgets is adultery.  This is also the commandment that he has violated most explicitly , so you’d think it would be the first one to spring to mind.  The fact that he forgets only this commandment shows that he is trying extremely hard to repress his guilt.

This act also sees the irony of Hale discussing the “powers of the dark” that are attacking Salem (pg. 61).  This is irony of the same type that I discussed in the overview of this theme.  Hale doesn’t realize that his own fears and suspicions are the real powers of the dark.   Salem is under attack from the hysteria that is encouraged by the same people who seek to keep imaginary supernatural demons at bay.

In Act 3, Hale continues to make ironic statements about the existence of concrete proof for the accusations of witchcraft.  While touting his holy credentials, he claims that he “dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of my conscience may doubt it” (pg. 91).  This “immaculate proof” that has led him to sign numerous death warrants is nothing but the fabrications of teenage girls and other townspeople seeking petty revenge.  These types of statements made by Hale earlier in the play become even more ironic in Act 4 when he realizes he made a horrible mistake by trusting the “evidence” that was presented to him.

Abigail’s presence is always rife with irony in The Crucible , as she constantly chastises others for sins she herself has committed.  When she is brought in for questioning and claims to see Mary’s familiar spirit, she says “Envy is a deadly sin, Mary.” Abigail herself has acted out of envy for the entire play.  Her jealousy of Elizabeth Proctor’s position as John’s wife has led her to attempted murder, first by the charm in the woods and now by accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft. 

Elizabeth is a victim of cruel irony in this Act when she is summoned to testify on the reasons why she dismissed Abigail from her household.  John has already confessed that the affair was the reason for Abigail’s dismissal.  John tells the judge to summon Elizabeth to back him up because he knows she always tells the truth.  Ironically, though she is normally honest to a fault, in this situation Elizabeth decides to lie to preserve John’s reputation, not knowing he has already confessed.  This well-intentioned mistake seals both of their fates. 

Act 4 is Danforth’s turn to shine in the irony department.  He is appalled by Elizabeth’s lack of emotion when he asks her to help the court get a confession out of her husband (pg. 123).  This attitude comes from a man who has shown no remorse for condemning people to death throughout the play.  He refers to John’s refusal to confess as “a calamity,” looking past his own involvement in the larger calamity of the conviction that led John to this point.   

Later in Act 4, Danforth becomes angry at the implication that John’s confession may not be the truth. He insists,  “I am not empowered to trade your life for a lie” (pg. 130). Of course, we know that Danforth has been trading people’s lives for lies this whole time.  He has sentenced people to death based on lies about their dealings in black magic, and he has accepted other false confessions from those who would rather lie than be executed.  To Danforth, anything that doesn’t confirm that he was right all along is a lie. 

Discussion Questions

Here are a few questions related to this theme that you can use to test your grasp of irony and its significance as a theme in The Crucible : 

• How is Parris’ fate in act 4 ironic when considering his role in the events of the play?
• Why do certain characters seem to be blind to the irony of their actions (Abigail, Danforth)?
• Why is hypocrisy so common in repressive communities like Salem?
• Explain the irony of Hale’s position at the end of the play as compared to his actions at the beginning.   

Theme 2: Hysteria

The thematic significance of hysteria builds quickly as accusations of witchcraft proliferate throughout Salem.  The power of collective hysteria ultimately becomes insurmountable because it grows larger than the influence of the few rational voices in the community. The seeds are planted in Act 1, when Abigail is questioned about her activities in the woods and ends up accusing Tituba of witchcraft to avoid punishment.  The town, already primed with rumors of black magic, is quickly willing to accept that the first few women who are accused are involved in black magic because they’re beggars and slaves.  No one considers that the accusers are lying, partially because they’re seen as innocent children and partially because many “witches” confess to avoid the death penalty.

Armed with the false proof of these coerced confessions, the court officials aggressively persecute anyone who is accused.  Hysteria blinds the people of Salem to reason as they become convinced that there is a grand Satanic plot brewing in town, and they must not hesitate to condemn anyone who could be involved.   This is a lesson in how fear can twist perceptions of reality even for those who consider themselves reasonable under normal circumstances.   

Even before Abigail makes accusations, rumors of witchcraft have morphed into accepted truths in the minds of the more superstitious members of the community.   Ann Putnam jumps at any opportunity to blame supernatural forces for the deaths of her children.  Ann’s extreme conclusions are gradually accepted because rational people are too afraid to challenge the consensus and risk bringing accusations upon themselves.  Hale’s involvement is taken to mean that there must be a supernatural element to Betty’s illness.  Rational explanations are ground up by the drama of the rumor mill, and people see only what they want to see (whatever keeps them in the good graces of society and  makes them feel the best about themselves ) in situations that don't appear to have easy explanations.

The madness begins in earnest with Abigail’s claim that Tituba and Ruth were conjuring spirits in the woods.  Parris is extremely dismayed by this revelation because of the damage it will do to his reputation.  Thomas Putnam tells him to “Wait for no one to charge you - declare it yourself.”  Parris must rush to be the first accuser so he can place himself beyond reproach. It's a toxic strategy that causes panic to spread quickly and fear for one’s life to take the place of rationality.  Tituba is pressured to confess and name the names of other “witches” to avoid execution, which leads to Abigail and Betty’s accusations, now validated by a coerced confession.  This vicious cycle continues to claim the lives of more and more people as the play progresses.

By Act 2, there are nearly 40 people in jail accused of witchcraft.  Many people confess when threatened with execution, and this only heightens the paranoid atmosphere.  The authorities ignore any inconvenient logical objections to the proceedings because they, too, are swept up in the madness. The hysterical atmosphere and the dramatic performances of some of the accusers cause people to believe they have seen genuine proof of witchcraft.  Each new false confession is thrown onto the pile of “evidence” of a grand Satanic plot, and as the pile grows larger, the hysteria surrounding it is fed generously.

This hysteria-based “evidence” of witchcraft includes the discovery of the poppet in the Proctor household with a needle in it.  Elizabeth's side of the story is disregarded because Abigail’s testimony is far more dramatic.  "She sat to dinner in Reverend Parris's house tonight, and without word nor warnin' she falls to the floor. Like a struck beast, he says, and screamed a scream that a bull would weep to hear. And he goes to save her, and, stuck two inches in the flesh of her belly, he draw a needle out." (Cheever pg. 71). The idea that a witch's familiar spirit is capable of stabbing people is too scary for the superstitious and now hysterical people of Salem to give Elizabeth the benefit of the doubt. No one even considers Mary's statement about sticking the needle in herself. In this environment, whoever yells the loudest seems to get the most credibility.

The depths of the hysteria that has gripped Salem are revealed in Act 3 when John finally confronts the court. Danforth makes a shocking argument defending the way the trials have been conducted, insisting that only the victim’s testimony can serve as reliable evidence in this type of trial.   He is completely oblivious to the fact that the “victims” might be lying.  The court refuses to challenge anyone who claims to have been afflicted. 

When the petition testifying to the good character of the accused women is presented, the reaction from Danforth, Hathorne, and Parris is to arrest the people who signed it rather than considering that this might indicate that the women are innocent.   Danforth is convinced that “there is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country!” and anyone who doubts the decisions of the court is potentially involved.  They so fear the devilish consequences of challenging the accusers that they’re willing to take them at their word and ignore any defenses the accused have to offer.  Nowhere is there any consideration of ulterior motives.  

The power of mass hysteria is further revealed when Mary is unable to faint outside of a charged courtroom environment.  She believed she had seen spirits earlier because she was caught up in the delusions of those around her.  Abigail distracts the judges from any rational investigation in this act by playing into this hysteria.  Danforth, who has the most authority, is also the most sold on her act, and it only takes a few screams to persuade him that he’s in the presence of witchcraft.  This leads to Mary’s hysterical accusation of Proctor after she finds herself targeted by the other girls and about to be consumed by the hysteria herself if she doesn’t contribute to it. 

Danforth continues to demonstrate the effects of hysteria in act 4 even after things have died down a bit in Salem and there have been rumblings of discontent about the court’s actions.  As John gives his confession, Danforth says to Rebecca Nurse “Now, woman, you surely see it profit nothin’ to keep this conspiracy any further. Will you confess yourself with him?” (pg. 129)  He is still convinced that all the prisoners are guilty and is determined to force them to admit their guilt. 

Danforth also becomes frustrated with Proctor when he won’t name names in his confession : “Mr. Proctor, a score of people have already testified they saw [Rebecca Nurse] with the Devil” (pg. 130).  Danforth insists that John must know more about the Devil's dealings than he has revealed.  Though Rebecca Nurse's involvement has already been corroborated by other confessors, Danforth demands to hear it from John to confirm that John is fully committed to renouncing his supposed ties to Satan.

Here are a few questions about hysteria to consider now that you've read a summary of how this theme was expressed throughout the plot of the play:

• How does the hysteria in the play get started?
• What are some of the factors that feed the panic and suspicion in Salem, and why are officials (like Danforth) unable or unwilling to listen to reason?
• Is there any character besides John Proctor that represents the voice of common sense amidst the madness?
• Why is Cheever both astonished and afraid when he finds the poppet with the needle in it? Why is everyone so quick to believe Abigail’s story?
• Danforth explains that witchcraft is an invisible crime and that only the victims are reliable. How does this philosophy perpetuate hysteria?

Theme 3: Reputation

Concern for reputation is a theme that looms large over most of the events in The Crucible.  Though actions are often motivated by fear and desires for power and revenge, they are also propped up by underlying worries about how a loss of reputation will negatively affect characters' lives.   John’s concern for his reputation is strong throughout the play, and his hesitation to reveal Abigail’s true nature is a product of his own fears of being labeled an adulterer. 

Once there have been enough convictions, the reputations of the judges also become factors. They are extremely biased towards believing they have made the correct sentencing decisions in court thus far, so they are reluctant to accept new evidence that may prove them wrong.  The importance placed on reputation helps perpetuate hysteria because it leads to inaction, inflexibility, and, in many cases, active sabotage of the reputations of others for selfish purposes. The overall message is that when a person's actions are driven by desires to preserve favorable public opinion rather than do the morally right thing, there can be extremely dire consequences.

Reverend Parris' concerns about his reputation are immediately evident in Act 1. Parris initially insists that there are “no unnatural causes” for Betty’s illness because he fears that he will lose favor with the townspeople if witchcraft is discovered under his roof.  He questions Abigail aggressively because he’s worried his enemies will learn the full story of what happened in the woods first and use it to discredit him.  Parris is very quick to position himself on the side of the accusers as soon as Abigail throws the first punch, and he immediately threatens violence on Tituba if she doesn't confess (pg. 42).  He appears to have no governing system of morality. His only goal is to get on the good side of the community as a whole, even in the midst of this bout of collective hysteria.  

Abigail also shows concern for her reputation.  She is enraged when Parris questions her suspicious dismissal from the Proctor household.  Abigail insists that she did nothing to deserve it and tries to put all the blame on Elizabeth Proctor.  She says, "My name is good in the village! I will not have it said my name is soiled! Goody Proctor is a gossiping liar!" (pg. 12) The fi rst act of The Crucible  clearly establishes the fact that a bad reputation can damage a person’s position in this society severely and irreparably.

In this act, we learn more details about the accused that paint a clearer picture of the influence of reputation and social standing on the patterns of accusations.  Goody Good, an old beggar woman, is one of the first to be named a witch. I t’s easy for more respectable citizens to accept that she’s in league with the Devil because she is an "other" in Salem, just like Tituba.   When Abigail accuses Elizabeth, a respected farmer’s wife, it shows that she is willing to take big risks to remove Elizabeth from the picture.  She’s not a traditionally accepted target like the others (except in her susceptibility as a woman to the misogyny that runs rampant in the play).

In Act 2, the value of reputation in Salem starts to butt heads with the power of hysteria and fear to sway people’s opinions (and vengeance to dictate their actions).  Rebecca Nurse, a woman whose character was previously thought to be unimpeachable, is accused and arrested.  This is taken as evidence that things are really getting out of control ("if Rebecca Nurse be tainted, then nothing's left to stop the whole green world from burning." Hale pg. 67).  People in power continue to believe the accusers out of fear for their own safety, taking the hysteria to a point where no one is above condemnation.

At the end this act, John Proctor delivers a short monologue anticipating the imminent loss of the disguises of propriety worn by himself and other members of the Salem community.  The faces that people present to the public are designed to garner respect in the community, but the witch trials have thrown this system into disarray.   Proctor’s good reputation is almost a burden for him at this point because he knows that he doesn’t deserve it. In a way,   John welcomes the loss of his reputation because he feels so guilty about the disconnect between how he is perceived by others and the sins he has committed. 

John Proctor sabotages his own reputation in Act 3 after realizing it's the only way he can discredit Abigail.  This is a decision with dire consequences in a town where reputation is so important, a fact that contributes to the misunderstanding that follows.  Elizabeth doesn’t realize that John is willing to sacrifice his reputation to save her life.   She continues to act under the assumption that his reputation is of the utmost importance to him, and she does not reveal the affair. This lie essentially condemns both of them.    

Danforth also acts out of concern for his reputations here. He  references the many sentencing decisions he has already made in the trials of the accused. If Danforth accepts Mary’s testimony, it would mean that he wrongly convicted numerous people already. This fact could destroy his credibility , so he is biased towards continuing to trust Abigail.  Danforth has extensive pride in his intelligence and perceptiveness. This makes him particularly averse to accepting that he's been fooled by a teenage girl. 

Though hysteria overpowered the reputations of the accused in the past two acts, in act 4 the sticking power of their original reputations becomes apparent.  John and Rebecca’s solid reputations lead to pushback against their executions even though people were too scared to stand up for them in the midst of the trials.   Parris begs Danforth to postpone their hangings because he fears for his life if the executions proceed as planned.  He says, “I would to God it were not so, Excellency, but these people have great weight yet in the town” (pg. 118).

However, this runs up against Danforth’s desire to preserve his reputation as a strong judge.  He believes that “Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God’s law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering” (pg. 119).  Danforth’s image is extremely valuable to him, and he refuses to allow Parris’ concerns to disrupt his belief in the validity of his decisions.

In the final events of Act 4, John Proctor has a tough choice to make between losing his dignity and losing his life. The price he has to pay in reputation to save his own life is ultimately too high.  He chooses to die instead of providing a false confession because he doesn’t think life will be worth living after he is so disgraced. As he says,  “How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” (pg. 133)

Here are a few discussion questions to consider after you've read my summary of how the theme of reputation motivates characters and plot developments in The Crucible :

• How are characters’ behaviors affected by concern for their reputations? Is reputation more important than truth?
• Why doesn’t John immediately tell the court that he knows Abigail is faking?
• How does Parris’ pride prevent him from doing anything to stop the progression of events in the play?
• Why does Mary Warren warn John about testifying against Abigail? Why does he decide to do so anyways?
• Why does John decide to ruin his reputation in Act 3 by confessing to the affair?
• How is the arrest of  Rebecca Nurse a sign that the hysteria in Salem has gotten out of control?
• How does reputation influence who is first accused of witchcraft?

Theme #4: Power and Authority

The desire to preserve and gain power pervades  The Crucible as the witch trials lead to dramatic changes in which characters hold the greatest control over the course of events.  Abigail’s power skyrockets as the hysteria grows more severe.  Where before she was just an orphaned teenager, now, in the midst of the trials, she becomes the main witness to the inner workings of a Satanic plot.  She has the power to utterly destroy people’s lives with a single accusation because she is seen as a victim and a savior.

The main pillars of traditional power are represented by the law and the church.  These two institutions fuse together in The Crucible to actively encourage accusers and discourage rational explanations of events. The girls are essentially given permission by authority figures to continue their act because they are made to feel special and important for their participation.  The people in charge are so eager to hold onto their power that if anyone disagrees with them in the way the trials are conducted, it is taken as a personal affront and challenge to their authority. Danforth, Hathorne, and Parris become even more rigid in their views when they feel they are under attack.  

As mentioned in the overview, religion holds significant power over the people of Salem.  Reverend Parris is in a position of power as the town's spiritual leader, but he is insecure about his authority.   He believes there is a group of people in town determined to remove him from this position, and he will say and do whatever it takes to retain control.   This causes problems down the line as Parris allows his paranoia about losing his position to translate into enthusiasm for the witch hunt. 

Abigail, on the other hand, faces an uphill battle towards more power over her situation.  She is clearly outspoken and dominant, but her initial position in society is one of very little influence and authority.  One path to higher standing and greater control would be in becoming John Proctor’s wife.  When she can’t get John to abandon Elizabeth for her, she decides to take matters into her own hands and gain control through manipulating the fears of others. 

Abigail accuses Tituba first because Tituba is the one person below her on the ladder of power, so she makes an easy scapegoat. If Tituba was permitted to explain what really happened, the ensuing tragedy might have been prevented.  No one will listen to Tituba until she agrees to confirm the version of events that the people in traditional positions of authority have already decided is true, a pattern which continues throughout the play.   Tituba is forced to accept her role as a pawn for those with greater authority and a stepping stone for Abigail’s ascent to power.

By Act 2, there have been notable changes in the power structure in Salem as a result of the ongoing trials.  Mary Warren’s sense of self-importance has increased as a result of the perceived value of her participation in court.   Elizabeth notes that Mary's demeanor is now like that of “the daughter of a prince” (pg. 50).  This new power is exciting and very dangerous because it encourages the girls to make additional accusations in order to preserve their value in the eyes of the court. 

Abigail, in particular, has quickly risen from a nobody to one of the most influential people in Salem.  Abigail’s low status and perceived innocence under normal circumstances allow her to claim even greater power in her current situation.  No one thinks a teenage orphan girl is capable of such extensive deception (or delusion), so she is consistently trusted.  In one of the most well-known quotes in the play, John Proctor angrily insists that “the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom” (pg. 73), meaning the girls are testing out the extent of the chaos they can create with their newfound power.

In Act 3, Abigail’s power in the courthouse is on display.  She openly threatens Danforth for even entertaining Mary and John's accusations of fraud against her. Though Danforth is the most powerful official figure in court, Abigail manipulates him easily with her performance as a victim of witchcraft. He's already accepted her testimony as evidence, so he is happy for any excuse to believe her over John and Mary. John finally comes to the realization that Mary's truthful testimony cannot compete with the hysteria that has taken hold of the court.  The petition he presents to Danforth is used as a weapon against the signers rather than a proof of the innocence of Elizabeth, Martha, and Rebecca. Abigail's version of events is held to be true even after John confesses to their affair in a final effort to discredit her.  Logic has no power to combat paranoia and superstition even when the claims of the girls are clearly fraudulent.  John Proctor surrenders his agency at the end of Act 3 in despair at the determination of the court to pursue the accusations of witchcraft and ignore all evidence of their falsehood.

By Act 4, many of the power structures that were firmly in place earlier in the play have disintegrated.  Reverend Parris has fallen from his position of authority as a result of the outcomes of the trials.   He is weak and vulnerable after Abigail's theft of his life's savings, and he’s even facing death threats from the townspeople as a result of John and Rebecca's imminent executions.  In Act 1 he jumped on board with the hysteria to preserve his power, but he ended up losing what little authority he had in the first place (and, according to Miller's afterward, was voted out of office soon after the end of the play). 

The prisoners have lost all faith in earthly authority figures and look towards the judgment of God.  The only power they have left is in refusing to confess and preserving their integrity. I n steadfastly refusing to confess, Rebecca Nurse holds onto a great deal of power.   The judges cannot force her to commit herself to a lie, and her martyrdom severely damages their legitimacy and favor amongst the townspeople.

Here are some discussion questions to consider after reading about the thematic role of the concepts of power and authority in the events of the play:

• How do the witch trials empower individuals who were previously powerless?
• How does Reverend Hale make Tituba feel important?
• Compare and contrast three authority figures in this drama: Hale, Danforth, and Parris. What motivates their attitudes and responses toward the witch trials?
• What makes Danforth so unwilling to consider that the girls could be pretending?
• Why does Mary Warren behave differently when she becomes involved in the trials?  
• How do the actions of authority figures encourage the girls to continue their accusations and even genuinely believe the lies they’re telling?

A Quick Look at Some Other The Crucible  Themes 

These are themes that could be considered subsets of the topics detailed in the previous sections, but there's also room to discuss them as topics in their own right. I'll give a short summary of how each plays a role in the events of The Crucible .

The theme of guilt is one that is deeply relevant to John Proctor's character development throughout the play. John feels incredibly ashamed of his affair with Abigail, so he tries to bury it and pretend it never happened. His guilt leads to great tension in interactions with Elizabeth because he projects his feelings onto her, accusing her of being judgmental and dwelling on his mistakes. In reality, he is constantly judging himself, and this leads to outbursts of anger against others who remind him of what he did (he already feels guilty enough!). Hale also contends with his guilt in act 4 for his role in condemning the accused witches , who he now believes are innocent.

There's a message here about the choices we have in dealing with guilt. John attempts to crush his guilt instead of facing it, which only ends up making it an even more destructive factor in his life. Hale tries to combat his guilt by persuading the prisoners to confess, refusing to accept that the damage has already been done. Both Hale and Proctor don't want to live with the consequences of their mistakes, so they try to ignore or undo their past actions. 

Misogyny and Portrayal of Women 

Miller's portrayal of women in The Crucible is a much-discussed topic. The attitudes towards women in the 1950s, when the play was written, are evident in the roles they're given. The most substantial female character is Abigail, who is portrayed as a devious and highly sexualized young woman. She is cast as a villain. Then, on the other end of the spectrum, we have Rebecca Nurse. She is a sensible, saintly old woman who chooses to martyr herself rather than lie and confess to witchcraft. The other two main female characters, Elizabeth and Mary Warren, are somewhat bland. Elizabeth is defined by her relationship to John, and Mary is pushed around by other characters (mostly men) throughout the play. The Crucible presents a view of women that essentially reduces them to caricatures of human beings that are defined by their roles as mothers, wives, and servants to men . Abigail, the one character who breaks from this mold slightly, is portrayed extremely unsympathetically despite the fact that the power dynamic between her and John makes him far more culpable in their illicit relationship.   

Deception is a major driving force in  The Crucible . This includes not only accusatory lies about the involvement of others in witchcraft but also the lies that people consistently tell about their own virtuousness and purity in such a repressive society. The turmoil in Salem is propelled forward by desires for revenge and power that have been simmering beneath the town's placid exterior.  There is a culture of keeping up appearances already in place, which makes it natural for people to lie about witnessing their neighbors partaking in Satanic rituals when the opportunity arises (especially if it means insulating themselves from similar accusations and even achieving personal gain). The Crucible provides an example of how convenient lies can build on one another to create a universally accepted truth even in the absence of any real evidence. 

How to Write About  The Crucible  Themes

It's one thing to understand the major themes in The Crucible , and it's another thing completely to write about them yourself. Essay prompts will ask about these themes in a variety of different ways. Some will be very direct. An example would be something like:

" How are themes like hysteria, hunger for power, reputation, or any of a number of others functional in the drama? Choose a single character and discuss how this person embodies one of the themes. How is Miller’s underlying message revealed in one of these themes and through the character?"  

In a case like this, you'd be writing directly about a specific theme in connection to one of the characters. Essay questions that ask about themes in this straightforward way can be tricky because there's a temptation to speak in vague terms about the theme's significance. Always include specific details, including direct quotes, to support your argument about how the theme is expressed in the play.  

Other essay questions may not ask you directly about the themes listed in this article, but that doesn't mean that the themes are irrelevant to your writing. Here's another example of a potential essay question for The Crucible that's less explicit in its request for you to discuss themes of the play:  

" Most of the main characters in the play have personal flaws and either contribute to or end up in tragedy. Explain who you believe is the central tragic character in the play. What are their strengths and personal flaws? How does the central tragic character change throughout the play, and how does this relate to the play's title? How do outside forces contribute to the character's flaws and eventual downfall?"  

In this case, you're asked to discuss the concept of a tragic character, explaining who fits that mold in The Crucible and why. There are numerous connections between the flaws of individual characters and the overarching themes of the play that could be brought into this discussion. This is especially true with the reputation and hysteria themes. If you argued that John Proctor was the central tragic character, you could say that his flaws were an excessive concern for his reputation and overconfidence in the power of reason to overcome hysteria. Both flaws led him to delay telling the truth about Abigail's fraudulent claims and their previous relationship, thus dooming himself and many others to death or imprisonment. Even with prompts that ask you to discuss a specific character or plot point, you can find ways to connect your answer to major themes. These connections will bolster your responses by positioning them in relation to the most important concepts discussed throughout the play.    

What's Next? 

Now that you've read about the most important themes in The Crucible , check out our  list of every single character in the play , including brief analyses of their relationships and motivations. 

You can also read my full summary of The Crucible here for a review of exactly what happens in the plot in each act.

The Crucible is commonly viewed as an allegorical representation of the communist "witch hunts" conducted in the 1950s. Take a look at this article for details on the history and thematic parallels behind this connection . 

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The Crucible Essay Topics

Part of learning in the university requires students to do literature reviews in essay form. One such essay that often requires students to perform literature reviews is Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. This play was developed in 1953, and it focuses on the dark aspects of witches, occults, and magic. The story is based on the Salem witch trials of the 1600s. So, what is required of students when writing an essay on the Crucible?

First, consider choosing an appropriate topic to help you with the essay. The Crucible is full of different themes and topics to choose from. However, that doesn’t make it easy to choose one. Luckily, we have assembled a list comprising of The Crucible essay ideas, topics, and theme proposal examples below. So feel free to choose as many ideas as is required for your assignment. Besides, they are all free!

Interesting The Crucible Essay Topics

Secondly, consider using an essay structure when writing your assignment. Doing this will help you save a lot of time. Additionally, you will cover all the points without forgetting any. So, let’s look at the topic ideas

• Explain the role of Abigail Williams as depicted by the author in the Crucible
• Review the characters in the Crucible
• Explain the relationship between the Scarlett letter and Arthur Miller’s Crucible
• Plot portrayal and analysis in the Crucible
• What are some of the conflicts in Arthur Miller’s Crucible?
• Explore John Proctors role in The Crucible
• Explore the critical facts of the Crucible
• In your opinion, detail the key person on trial in Arthur Miller’s Crucible
• Character evaluation; Judge Danforth
• Character evaluation; Giles Cory
• Character evaluation; Reverend Hale
• In-depth character analysis; Abigail Williams
• In-depth character analysis; Elizabeth Proctor
• Explain Hysteria as a theme in Arthur Miller’s Crucible
• An in-depth examination of a reputation as a theme
• An in-depth examination of goodness as a significant theme in The Crucible
• An analysis of social status as a significant theme in Arthur Miller’s Crucible
• Ownership and property; Discuss these two themes as protested in Arthur Miller’s Crucible
• Justice is the ability to make the right decisions in a court of law. Explain this theme as depicted in the Crucible
• Explain the consequences of John’s actions in the Crucible
• Discuss vengeance as a major theme in Arthur Miller’s Crucible
• After understanding the Crucible, explain the main protagonists
• Explain John Proctor role as the main protagonist
• An analysis of Abigail Williams as the antagonist in Arthur Miller’s play
• After watching or reading Arthur Miller’s play, why is the literature work called the Crucible
• In your opinion did the girls in the play actually witness the appearance of the Devil
• Explain Tituba’s reasons for claiming to have a dance with the Devil
• Explain love as a minor theme between John and Abigail
• Relate the Crucible to modern society
• Explain the theme of sorcery magic and beliefs in the Crucible
• Relate the signing of false petitions in the Crucible to modern-day corruption
• Explain the Reverends concerns
• The tension between the two main antagonists and protagonists
• An in-depth review of the deadly sins as protested by the author in The Crucible
• Give a detailed plot summary of the trials the witches of Salem underwent
• Is there a theme of revenge? If so explain in detail
• Character in-depth examination; John Proctors morality, loyalty, and strength
• An in-depth review of fear of the witches in Salem
• Consequences of actions as depicted by the author in the play Crucible
• Manipulation as a theme in The Crucible
• Analyze lessons about human nature from the play
• Explain materialism as a theme in the Crucible and relate it to modern-day consumer behavior
• Explain the significance of the poppets as a symbol in the Crucible
• Explain the significance of witch hunts in the Crucible
• Mob mentality is present in today’s society, especially in third world countries. Explain the significance of mob mentality in the Crucible
• Relate the autocracy witnessed in the Crucible in today’s society
• Give instances of paradox in the play
• Explain the relationship between government authority and religious leadership
• Spiritual fear and growth as themes in the Crucible. Relate these themes to today’s society

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A Discrimination Report Card

We develop an empirical Bayes ranking procedure that assigns ordinal grades to noisy measurements, balancing the information content of the assigned grades against the expected frequency of ranking errors. Applying the method to a massive correspondence experiment, we grade the race and gender contact gaps of 97 U.S. employers, the identities of which we disclose for the first time. The grades are presented alongside measures of uncertainty about each firm’s contact gap in an accessible report card that is easily adaptable to other settings where ranks and levels are of simultaneous interest.

We thank Ben Scuderi for helpful feedback on an early draft of this paper and Hadar Avivi and Luca Adorni for outstanding research assistance. Seminar participants at Brown University, the 2022 California Econometrics Conference, Columbia University, CIREQ 2022 Montreal, Harvard University, Microsoft Research, Monash University, Peking University, Royal Holloway, UC Santa Barbara, UC Berkeley, The University of Virginia, the Cowles Econometrics Conference on Discrimination and Algorithmic Fairness, and The University of Chicago Interactions Conference provided useful comments. Routines for implementing the ranking procedures developed in this paper are available online at https://github.com/ekrose/drrank. The views expressed herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the National Bureau of Economic Research.

Christopher Walters holds concurrent appointments as an Associate Professor of Economics at UC Berkeley and as an Amazon Scholar. This paper describes work performed at UC Berkeley and is not associated with Amazon.

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Using pulp and paper waste to scrub carbon from emissions

Researchers at McGill University have come up with an innovative approach to improve the energy efficiency of carbon conversion, using waste material from pulp and paper production.

The technique they've pioneered using the Canadian Light Source at the University of Saskatchewan not only reduces the energy required to convert carbon into useful products, but also reduces overall waste in the environment.

"We are one of the first groups to combine biomass recycling or utilization with CO 2 capture," said Ali Seifitokaldani, Assistant Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Electrocatalysis for Renewable Energy Production and Conversion. The research team, from McGill's Electrocatalysis Lab, published their findings in the journal RSC Sustainability .

Capturing carbon emissions is one of the most exciting emerging tools to fight climate change. The biggest challenge is figuring out what to do with the carbon once the emissions have been removed, especially since capturing CO 2 can be expensive. The next hurdle is that transforming CO 2 into useful products takes energy. Researchers want to make the conversion process as efficient and profitable as possible.

• Energy and Resources
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• Global Warming
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• Roger Lin, Haoyan Yang, Hanyu Zheng, Mahdi Salehi, Amirhossein Farzi, Poojan Patel, Xiao Wang, Jiaxun Guo, Kefang Liu, Zhengyuan Gao, Xiaojia Li, Ali Seifitokaldani. Efficient integration of carbon dioxide reduction and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural oxidation at high current density . RSC Sustainability , 2024; 2 (2): 445 DOI: 10.1039/D3SU00379E

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Does Nothing Stop a Bullet Like a Job? The Effects of Income on Crime

Do jobs and income-transfer programs affect crime? The answer depends on why one is asking the question, which shapes what one means by “crime.” Many studies focus on understanding why overall crime rates vary across people, places, and time; since 80% of all crimes are property offenses, that’s what this type of research typically explains. But if the goal is to understand what to do about the crime problem, the focus will instead be on serious violent crimes, which account for the majority of the social costs of crime. The best available evidence suggests that policies that reduce economic desperation reduce property crime (and hence overall crime rates) but have little systematic relationship to violent crime. The difference in impacts surely stems in large part from the fact that most violent crimes, including murder, are not crimes of profit but rather crimes of passion – including rage. Policies to alleviate material hardship, as important and useful as those are for improving people’s lives and well-being, are not by themselves sufficient to also substantially alleviate the burden of crime on society.

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3. problems students are facing at public k-12 schools.

We asked teachers about how students are doing at their school. Overall, many teachers hold negative views about students’ academic performance and behavior.

• 48% say the academic performance of most students at their school is fair or poor; a third say it’s good and only 17% say it’s excellent or very good.
• 49% say students’ behavior at their school is fair or poor; 35% say it’s good and 13% rate it as excellent or very good.

Teachers in elementary, middle and high schools give similar answers when asked about students’ academic performance. But when it comes to students’ behavior, elementary and middle school teachers are more likely than high school teachers to say it’s fair or poor (51% and 54%, respectively, vs. 43%).

Teachers from high-poverty schools are more likely than those in medium- and low-poverty schools to say the academic performance and behavior of most students at their school are fair or poor.

The differences between high- and low-poverty schools are particularly striking. Most teachers from high-poverty schools say the academic performance (73%) and behavior (64%) of most students at their school are fair or poor. Much smaller shares of teachers from low-poverty schools say the same (27% for academic performance and 37% for behavior).

In turn, teachers from low-poverty schools are far more likely than those from high-poverty schools to say the academic performance and behavior of most students at their school are excellent or very good.

Lasting impact of the COVID-19 pandemic

Among those who have been teaching for at least a year, about eight-in-ten teachers say the lasting impact of the pandemic on students’ behavior, academic performance and emotional well-being has been very or somewhat negative. This includes about a third or more saying that the lasting impact has been very negative in each area.

Shares ranging from 11% to 15% of teachers say the pandemic has had no lasting impact on these aspects of students’ lives, or that the impact has been neither positive nor negative. Only about 5% say that the pandemic has had a positive lasting impact on these things.

A smaller majority of teachers (55%) say the pandemic has had a negative impact on the way parents interact with teachers, with 18% saying its lasting impact has been very negative.

These results are mostly consistent across teachers of different grade levels and school poverty levels.

Major problems at school

When we asked teachers about a range of problems that may affect students who attend their school, the following issues top the list:

• Poverty (53% say this is a major problem at their school)
• Chronic absenteeism – that is, students missing a substantial number of school days (49%)
• Anxiety and depression (48%)

One-in-five say bullying is a major problem among students at their school. Smaller shares of teachers point to drug use (14%), school fights (12%), alcohol use (4%) and gangs (3%).

Differences by school level

Similar shares of teachers across grade levels say poverty is a major problem at their school, but other problems are more common in middle or high schools:

• 61% of high school teachers say chronic absenteeism is a major problem at their school, compared with 43% of elementary school teachers and 46% of middle school teachers.
• 69% of high school teachers and 57% of middle school teachers say anxiety and depression are a major problem, compared with 29% of elementary school teachers.
• 34% of middle school teachers say bullying is a major problem, compared with 13% of elementary school teachers and 21% of high school teachers.

Not surprisingly, drug use, school fights, alcohol use and gangs are more likely to be viewed as major problems by secondary school teachers than by those teaching in elementary schools.

Differences by poverty level

Teachers’ views on problems students face at their school also vary by school poverty level.

Majorities of teachers in high- and medium-poverty schools say chronic absenteeism is a major problem where they teach (66% and 58%, respectively). A much smaller share of teachers in low-poverty schools say this (34%).

Bullying, school fights and gangs are viewed as major problems by larger shares of teachers in high-poverty schools than in medium- and low-poverty schools.

When it comes to anxiety and depression, a slightly larger share of teachers in low-poverty schools (51%) than in high-poverty schools (44%) say these are a major problem among students where they teach.  

Discipline practices

About two-thirds of teachers (66%) say that the current discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat mild – including 27% who say they’re very mild. Only 2% say the discipline practices at their school are very or somewhat harsh, while 31% say they are neither harsh nor mild.

We also asked teachers about the amount of influence different groups have when it comes to determining discipline practices at their school.

• 67% say teachers themselves don’t have enough influence. Very few (2%) say teachers have too much influence, and 29% say their influence is about right.

• 31% of teachers say school administrators don’t have enough influence, 22% say they have too much, and 45% say their influence is about right.
• On balance, teachers are more likely to say parents, their state government and the local school board have too much influence rather than not enough influence in determining discipline practices at their school. Still, substantial shares say these groups have about the right amount of influence.

Teachers from low- and medium-poverty schools (46% each) are more likely than those in high-poverty schools (36%) to say parents have too much influence over discipline practices.

In turn, teachers from high-poverty schools (34%) are more likely than those from low- and medium-poverty schools (17% and 18%, respectively) to say that parents don’t have enough influence.

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Table of contents, ‘back to school’ means anytime from late july to after labor day, depending on where in the u.s. you live, among many u.s. children, reading for fun has become less common, federal data shows, most european students learn english in school, for u.s. teens today, summer means more schooling and less leisure time than in the past, about one-in-six u.s. teachers work second jobs – and not just in the summer, most popular.

About Pew Research Center Pew Research Center is a nonpartisan fact tank that informs the public about the issues, attitudes and trends shaping the world. It conducts public opinion polling, demographic research, media content analysis and other empirical social science research. Pew Research Center does not take policy positions. It is a subsidiary of The Pew Charitable Trusts .