Individual Written Response For

Individual Written Response for

The Crucible

Part VI. Essay Response:

Please choose ONE of the following essay topics and write a developed multi-paragraph response.

1. In an essay, analyze one of the characters in The Crucible. In your essay, focus on these aspects of the character:

·  Conflicts

·  Motivation

·  Significant actions or decisions

·  Changes or discoveries

Include at the end of the essay your response to the character. Did you find the character believable? Did he or she do the right thing? Did you admire this person? Were your feelings negative? Or was your response mixed or complex?

Characters from the text:

·  John Proctor

·  John Hale

·  Elizabeth Proctor

·  Abigail Williams

·  Judge Danforth

·  Reverend Parris

2.  At what points throughout the play do you think the witch hunt could have ended or been avoided? Move in chronological order and consider what a character could have done or said that would have put a halt to the hunt for witches in the community. Be realistic and take into consideration the personalities of each of the characters.

For example: The first and most obvious deterrent to the witch hunt would have been if neither Betty nor Ruth drew attention to themselves by feigning illness. Another could be that Rebecca Nurse says to Parris that she thinks he ought to send Reverend Hale back as soon as he comes and that they should rely on the doctor and prayer. She also says that she fears seeking loose spirits. If Reverend Parris did send Hale back, then the ensuing hunt may have been avoided.

You may use these examples if you wish, but elaborate on them and consider the multiple other points at which the hunt could have ended.

3.  What occurred in the forest is alluded to throughout the duration of the play. Based on what is revealed, explain the actions of the girls in the forest. Were they in fact dabbling in witchcraft? Were they engaging in harmless activities? Support you response and consider fully what each of the characters is purported to have done. In your conclusion, discuss whether or not you think anyone deserved to be punished for her participation in the forest. If so, specify who and why.