The Crucible Essay Topics
  Writing about the Play

Discuss the role that grudges and personal rivalries play in the witch trial hysteria.

How do the witch trials empower individuals who were previously powerless?

How does John Proctor’s great dilemma change during the course of the play?

Compare the roles that Elizabeth Proctor and Abigail Williams play in The Crucible.

Why are Danforth, Hathorne, and the other authorities so resistant to believing the claim that Abigail and the other girls are lying?

What kind of government does Salem have? What role does it play in the action?

Analyze Reverend Parris. What are his motivations in supporting the witch trials?

Discuss the changes that Reverend Hale undergoes in the course of the play.

What is your perception of the girls’ allegations in the play? Do they really believe in witchcraft or are they fabricating the events?

Discuss Miller’s treatment of women in The Crucible.

Discuss how the themes of The Crucible make it both universal and enduring.

At the end of the play, John Proctor recovers his sense of goodness by tearing up the confession that would have saved his life. Given his character and the events which have led up to this moment, do you find this act believable? Fully explain your response.

What three characters are responsible for the trials and why?

How does The Crucible portray justice or injustice?

Compare the character of Elizabeth Proctor to that of Mary Warren. What value systems does each represent?

Discuss Elizabeth’s reaction to John’s infidelity. Is she being unreasonable?

Examine Elizabeth Proctor as a symbol of truth. How has her husband “paid for” this truthfulness? What motivates Elizabeth to lie? Is a good name more important than the truth?