Scribd
Upload
191 views3 pages

The Crucible - Analysis Paper PROJECT

The document provides a critical analysis of the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. It summarizes the key events and themes of the play, which is set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts during the Salem Witch Trials. The exposition in Act 1 introduces the main characters and impending conflicts. John Proctor's pride leads to his death, as he refuses to sign a false confession. The document analyzes several themes, including how the trials represented a time of great social and political change, and how the "crucible" is a metaphor for the corrupt purifying fire that swept through Salem and destroyed innocent lives through false accusations and revenge.

Uploaded by

Espinosa Christian
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
191 views3 pages

The Crucible - Analysis Paper PROJECT

The document provides a critical analysis of the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. It summarizes the key events and themes of the play, which is set in 1692 Salem, Massachusetts during the Salem Witch Trials. The exposition in Act 1 introduces the main characters and impending conflicts. John Proctor's pride leads to his death, as he refuses to sign a false confession. The document analyzes several themes, including how the trials represented a time of great social and political change, and how the "crucible" is a metaphor for the corrupt purifying fire that swept through Salem and destroyed innocent lives through false accusations and revenge.

Uploaded by

Espinosa Christian
Copyright
© Attribution Non-Commercial (BY-NC)
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as DOC, PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 3

Christian Daniel Espinosa Mr.

Brandon Nichols Grade 9 English A November 13, 2012 The Crucible: Critical Analysis Paper To begin, going back to the key literary element (setting) of the Crucible was set in the spring of the year 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts where the Puritan Society was. In the Puritan Society, they were very religious. This included the regular attendance of a person or family in church. Keeping a good reputation to the people of Salem was very important. Going back to the Plot structure, despite the four-act play, the introduction itself (also known as the exposition) introduces about the necessary elements required for having a better understanding of the play. The exposition of The Crucible takes place in Act I. Here, the writer sets the scene and reveals key information about most of the important characters in the play and the conflicts which are soon to explode through the use of forshadowing. Even Proctor's guilt over his affiair with Abigail, Abigail's mischief, Putnam's pettiness, and Parris' fear of witches in Salem are all important to the events which are soon to unfold. I would agree with this because up to the end of this play, the conflict kept going until it was solved after the death of John Proctor. The last act deeply focused on John Proctors court trial where he was forced to sign a confession paper that will be placed outside the church. Proctor, due to his pride continued to deny the charges given to him by the court and in the end, he tore the confession paper into pieces which resulted to his death.

Looking back at the scholarly article that Ive read thoroughly, many of the assertions that were said I agree with it. Every assertion was deeply explained and supported in the article. My reaction/s on what the article says regarding the theme of The Crucible, there are many themes that can be discussed. However, this depends on the readers deep understanding and interpretation of the important events in the play. The first paragraph of the scholarly article said that Arthur Miller chose to add several narrative sections that were not placed in the film. It gives the reader a detailed background about their past actions and motivations. The first narrative gives a background to Reverend Parris about his previous actions and what motivates him as a prime Minister. This of course, included the distorted perspectives of other peoples opinions regarding him as a minister. I would absolutely agree with this assertion regarding Rev. Parris values and motivations as Salems Minister. He was thinking about earthly possessions and good. This of course, is not a good mindset of a Minister who is a worker of God and his church. The dramatic events of the first act makes up many of the conflicts and themes centralized to the play. Its a defining metaphor of the play that is a symbol that is not anywhere but in the title: The Crucible. A crucible is a pot used to heat metal to extremely high temperatures, its like how the pot represents the Puritan society who at this time is going through court trials and charges and could possibly be sentenced to death. The common definition is a severe test or trial, especially one that causes an everlasting effect or influence. It may be a change as well. If you would look at it deeper, the title given by Miller The Crusible it would mean that every one is involved whether you did witchcraft or not.

Looking at a possible major theme is, metaphorically, it was a time in history when great political, social,and cultural changes are in force, where society is seemingly being melted down because of anarchy and revenge causing everyone in Salem to turn against each other. In terms of symbolism and motifs, there is very little direct traditional symbolism in The Crucible: Crucible - it is meant to purify, usually by fire. A great irony since the 'fire' that burns in Salem does not purify. Problems regarding witchcraft seem to never end and many innocent people are still accused. Some, are really just so eager of getting revenge. Instead it muddles (confuses) and corrupts. Thus a fire burning for the wrong reason is not able to purify.

You might also like