87 The Crucible Essay Topics & Examples

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

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

  • A. Miller’s “The Crucible” Play: Who Is to Blame? The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller in 1953, is a play focusing on the topic of the Salem witch of the last decade of the 1600s in Massachusetts.
  • Analysis of the Movie The Crucible Arthur Miller’s play and movie was a reflection of what used to happen in the United States of America. It was a situation where reason was not used in the judicial system and people were […]
  • 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 […]
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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: 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 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 […]
  • 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’s The Crucible: Unmasking Fear and Accusations 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.
  • 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 […]
  • 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 […]
  • Informative Synthesis on Movie: The Crucible The writer of the play version of the film, Arthur Miller, takes charge of the screenplay while Nicholas Hytner is the director.
  • The Madness of the Salem Witch Trials of 1692 in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Theme of Sacrifice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorn
  • The Society and the Individual in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Social Breakdown That Allowed the Witch Hunt Paranoia in Salem in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Victory of Morality Over Cowardice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • Values and Morality in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Valuable Reasons of Abigail Williams in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Significance and Role of Abigail Williams and Tituba in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Witch Hearings in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Influence of the McCarthy Hearings of the 1950’s in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Use of Rhetorical Devices to Reveal Negative Correlation Between Power Truth, Justice, and Emotions in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Traits and Characteristics of John Proctor in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Unfair and Unkind Treatment of Women in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Internal Battles of Mary Warren, John Proctor and Reverend Hale in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Symbolism of the Crucible as a Test for Salem in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The True Meaning of Tragedy in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Presentation of Abigail Williams in Act I of “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Tragic Fate of John Proctor in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Reasons Why People Stand Up for Justice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Lottery” by Shirley Jackson
  • The Sinful Confessions in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Motivation of Abigail Williams to Protect Her Image and Interest in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Unreasonable Discrimination in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Theme of Justice Versus Retribution and Revenge in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Responibility of the Salem Community for the Tragedy in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • Weakness, Jealousy, and Manipulation in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • Vengeance and Malevolent Intent in a Corrupt World in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Materialistic and Controlling Characteristics of Reverend Parris in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Themes of Fear, Revenge and Greed, and Courage in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Sacrifices and Actions of Abigail for Love in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • What Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” Has to Offer to Modern Readers Globally
  • The Historical Meaning and Universal Themes of the Love Triangle, Mass Hysteria, and the Judicial System in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Salem Witch Trials as an Outlet for Revenge in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • The Three Stages of John Proctor’s Transformation in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Transformation of Abigail Williams in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Themes of Intolerance, Reputation, and Injustice in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Theme of Courage in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and “The Scarlet Letter” by Nathaniel Hawthorne
  • John Proctor as a Fair and Noble Character in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Strength of Elizabeth as Shown Through Her Trials in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller
  • The Key Aspects of a Witch-Hunt in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller and Paradise Lost
  • An Analysis of Social Status as a Significant Theme in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”
  • How Does Fear Motivate the Main Characters in “The Crucible”?
  • What Was the Critical and Public Reaction to “The Crucible”?
  • What Is the Main Story of “The Crucible”?
  • What Were the Changes in John Proctor’s Character Throughout the Play “The Crucible”?
  • Why Is “The Crucible” So Famous?
  • How Does Arthur Miller Create Tension in the Trial Scene of “The Crucible”?
  • What Is the True Meaning of “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Present the Character of John Proctor in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does John Proctor Contribute to the Effectiveness of Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?
  • What Are Some Examples of Mob Mentality in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Create Dramatic Tension in the Four Acts of “The Crucible”?
  • Does John Proctor Die in “The Crucible”?
  • When Did the Witch Trials Take Place in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Convey His Message Through “The Crucible”?
  • Was Jon Proctor From Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” a Good Man?
  • How Did Arthur Miller Portray the Relationship Between John and Elizabeth Proctor in “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller?
  • How Are Women Portrayed in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Arthur Miller Show Abigail’s Character in “The Crucible”?
  • Does Arthur Miller’s Play “The Crucible” End in Hope?
  • How Easily People Can Be Fooled as Portrayed in Arthur Miller’s Play “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Present Social Status in “The Crucible”?
  • Why Was John Proctor Convicted of Witchcraft in Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”?
  • How Miller Creates Conflict in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Arthur Miller Explore Social Injustice in His Play “The Crucible”?
  • How Arthur Miller Effectively Illustrates the Strength of John Proctor in His Play “The Crucible”?
  • How Arthur Miller Makes Act Three of “The Crucible” a Dramatic Scene?
  • Why “The Crucible” Remains Important Today?
  • What Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible” Has to Offer to Modern Readers Globally?
  • How Does Miller Present the Character of Abigail in “The Crucible”?
  • How Does Miller Use Reverend Hale in “The Crucible”?
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Profile of a woman's head inside a noose

The Crucible

by Arthur Miller

Sample Essay Outlines

The following paper topics are based on the entire play. Following each topic is a thesis and sample outline. Use these as a starting point for your paper.

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

II. A good name as pride and reputation A. Reverend Parris B. Judge Danforth

III. A good name as goodness A. Rebecca Nurse B. Elizabeth Proctor

IV. A good name as individuality and moral integrity A. John Proctor B. Reverend Hale

V. The naming of names

Outline I. Thesis Statement: The judges of Salem are not concerned with seeking the truth and justice, but with maintaining their authority and reputations. This goal leads them to consistently reject truth, against all logic and evidence of their senses.

II. Symbols of truth A. Elizabeth Proctor B. Rebecca Nurse C. John Proctor

III. Symbols of falsehood A. Reverend Parris B. Abigail

IV. Hale’s reaction to the truth A. On first arriving in Salem B. At the end of the play

V. Danforth’s reaction to the truth A. Giles Corey’s evidence B. Mary Warren’s confession C. John Proctor’s reason

Outline I. Thesis Statement: While authority stems from many different sources and is responded to in many ways, The Crucible supports the response of Rebecca Nurse as the true model.

II. The authority of the written word A. The Bible B. Hale’s books on witchcraft

III. The authority of the church leaders A. Reverend Parris B. Reverend Hale

IV. The authority of the court A. Judge Danforth B. Judge Hathorne

V. The authority of individual conscience A. John Proctor

VI. Rebecca Nurse’s response A. Respect for outward authority B. True to her conscience

Cite this page as follows:

"The Crucible - Sample Essay Outlines." MAXnotes to The Crucible, edited by Dr. M. Fogiel, Research and Education Association, Inc., 2000, 18 Aug. 2024 <https://www.enotes.com/topics/crucible/critical-essays#critical-essays-sample-essay-outlines>

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Critical Context (Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series)

The Crucible

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72 pages • 2 hours read

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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Act Summaries & Analyses

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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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Essay Prompts

The crucible.

‘There are wheels within wheels in this village, and fires within fires!’ – Ann Putnam. Is this an accurate statement concerning the nature of the Salem witch trials in Miller’s text?

The citizens of Salem rely too much on subjectivity and superstition in their course for justice. To what extent to you agree?

Proctor confesses that he ‘regards himself as a kind of fraud’. Discuss deception and pretense that occurs in the text.

Danforth is the most unforgiveable character within the play. To what extent do you agree?

‘I cannot stop my mouth; it’s God’s work I do.’ – Abigail Williams. Abigail and the girls are justified in their actions condemning the citizens of Salem. Do you agree?

By demonising the justice system in 17th century Salem, Miller celebrates the goodly citizens as well. Discuss.

Discuss the presence of diversity and discrimination within The Crucible.

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Home / Essay Samples / Literature / The Crucible / The Crucible: Examining the Complexities of Truth and Justice

The Crucible: Examining the Complexities of Truth and Justice

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