College English
The Crucible - Literary Themes Final
Name:
Date:
For this assignment, you will be writing a composition focusing on important themes in
the play The Crucible. The composition will be a minimum of 5 paragraphs and will be
typed. Put your name, class, assignment (2nd Semester Final Choice #1), and the date
double-spaced in the upper left hand corner of the paper. For the title of the composition
put Selected Literary Themes in Miller’s The Crucible. A list of themes has been
provided on the back. Once you have selected what theme you are using, you will need to
look up a definition of the word in the printed dictionary or an online dictionary.
The following outline is suggested to organize your thoughts and writing. The writing
for this literary theme analysis needs to retain organization, clear writing, sufficient
development of ideas, and good transitions from point to point.
Suggested Outline - The Crucible Themes Final
I. Introduction
A. Provide a brief overview of the plot of The Crucible
B. Clarification/background/thesis statement focusing on the important
themes in The Crucible that served to drive the plot and character
development.
II. 1st theme - _______________________________________
A. Plot point/character 1
B. First, identify a plot point or a character that is related to the theme
C. Second, provide any important background or clarify points to set the
proper context for the discussion
D. Third, draw a connection between the plot point/character and the theme
by using key words from the theme word’s definition
III. 2nd theme - _______________________________________
A. Plot point/character 2
B. First, identify a plot point or a character that is related to the theme
C. Second, provide any important background or clarify points to set the
proper context for the discussion
D. Third, draw a connection between the plot point/character and the theme
by using key words from the theme word’s definition
IV. 3rd theme - _______________________________________
A. Plot point/character 3
B. First, identify a plot point or a character that is related to the theme
C. Second, provide any important background or clarify points to set the
proper context for the discussion
D. Third, draw a connection between the plot point/character and the theme
by using key words from the theme word’s definition
V. Conclusion – you are on your own
Miscellaneous Considerations
•
There are several different definitions for each of these theme words depending
on the source you use. Make sure the definition you are using for the paper has
the best and most appropriate key words to both support and clarify your writing.
When using the theme words in the composition, you need to quote the definition
with parenthetical citation. In addition, you will need to provide a works cited
entry for each of the theme words you use
•
No quotes or paraphrases from The Crucible are required, but as a writer if you
feel a quote is necessary for stronger writing and support of the theme words, you
must demonstrate proper use of MLA citation and documentation.
•
Even though you may choose to forgo the use of quotes or paraphrases in the
composition, provide a works cited for the play at the end of the composition. Use
your resources to make sure your works cited entries are in the correct order.
Common Themes of Literature
Disloyalty
Betrayal
Appearance
Impulsive behavior
Deception
Disorder
Manipulation
Condemnation
Inaction
Secrecy
Lying
Blame
Uncertainty
Revenge
Perception
Fear
Alienation
Tolerance
Faith
Greed
Loyalty
Trust
Reality
Self-control
Authenticity
Order
Support
Forgiveness
Action
Openness
Honesty
Responsibility
Certainty
Justice
Consequences
Choice
Pride
Emotion
Virtue
Happiness
College English II – 2nd Semester Final
The Crucible – Literary Element - Summary
Name:
Date:
For this assignment, you will be writing a short composition explaining the plot,
character, and other literary elements of The Crucible by Arthur Miller.
The summary will be a minimum of 5 paragraphs and will be typed. Put your name,
class, assignment (2nd Semester Final Choice #2), and the date double-spaced in the upper
left hand corner of the paper. For the title of the composition use The Crucible, Miller –
Literary Element Summary. Double-space the composition.
The following outline is suggestions to organize your thoughts and writing. The writing
for this book summary needs to retain organization, clear writing, sufficient development
of ideas, and good transitions from point to point.
Suggested Outline For A Book Summary
I. Introduction – provide a brief overview of The Crucible with a few details
that provide a sense of what the play is about including where and
when the story took place
II. Conflict - name and explain two major conflicts that appear in the book.
a. Conflict 1
i. Name and define the conflict
ii. Explain the plot details related to the conflict
b. Conflict 2
i. Name and define the 2nd conflict
ii. Explain the plot details related to the conflict
III. Characters
a. Discuss the main character first including who he or she is, what
they do, and how they fit into the plot. Focus on specific character,
personality traits, or their speech and actions of the character that
help the reader understand more about the character’s role in the
plot of the book
b. Discuss any (at least two) secondary characters and their role in the
plot
1. Character 1
2. Character 2
IV. Other literary elements
a. Discuss the plot in greater depth using one other literary element
(listed on the back)related to the conflict, complications, climactic
point, or even the resolution to the book.
b. Discuss the plot in greater depth using a second literary element
(listed on the back)related to the conflict, complications, climactic
point, or even the resolution to the book.
V. Conclusion
Elements of Short Stories Notes
-----------------------------------------------------------------------I. Plot - series of related events that make up a story
A. Conflict - struggle between opposing forces
1. Man vs. man - external struggle between two or more individuals
2. Man vs. himself - internal struggle concerning emotion and decision
3. Man vs. nature - external struggle between man and an element of
nature
B. Complication - mini-conflicts that contribute to the rise in action
C. Climax - turning point of the story; emotional high point (for the character, not
the reader)
D. Falling action - events that lead to resolution
E. Resolution - outcome of the conflict
II. Four types of characterization - techniques the writer uses to develop character
A. Physical description – outward appearance
B. Speech and actions of the character – what a character says and does
C. Direct comment from the narrator
D. Speech and actions of other characters – what one characters says or does that
tells the reader something about another character
III. Themes of literature/Analyzing characters
A. Motivation - cause of actions
B. Behavior - actions of the character
C. Consequences - results of actions
D. Responsibility - moral, legal, or mental accountability
IV. Setting/Description
A. Setting – time, place, environment, tone, or context within which the story
takes place
B. Sensory details - words that appeal to the senses
(sight/hearing/taste/touch/smell)
C. Foreshadowing - increasing suspense by presenting events or characters with
hints at what will happen
D. Flashback - a skip back to the past in the order of events in a plot
E. Figurative language
1. Simile - comparison using like or as
2. Metaphor - comparison using is or form of is
a. Implied metaphor
b. Extended metaphor
3. Personification – attributing human characteristics to an inanimate
object, idea, or concept.
4. Hyperbole – exaggerated imagery used to communicate a point
College English
The Crucible – Anatomy of a Character - Final
Name:
Date:
For this assignment, you will be writing a composition focusing on the symbolic
connection between various parts of the body and characters in The Crucible. The
composition will be a minimum of 5 paragraphs and will be typed. Put your name, class,
assignment (The Crucible – Final #3), and the date double-spaced in the upper left hand
corner of the paper. For the title of the composition put Anatomy of a Character
Symbolism in Miller’s The Crucible. A list of body parts and their functions has been
provided on the back.
The following outline is suggested to organize your thoughts and writing. The writing
for this literary theme analysis needs to retain organization, clear writing, sufficient
development of ideas, and good transitions from point to point.
Suggested Outline The Crucible –Anatomy of a Character Final
I.
II.
III.
IV.
V.
Introduction
A. Provide a brief overview of the plot of The Crucible
B. Clarification/background/thesis statement focusing on the important
themes in The Crucible that served to drive the plot and character
development.
Character 1
A. First, name and explain the situation/circumstance in terms of the body
part (from the back of the paper) that best describes or explains the
character’s experience/perspective.
B. Second, provide at least three details regarding the plot or necessary
background information to clarify important the points about the
character and his or her symbolic connection to the body part
C. Also, explain how the situation or circumstance helps the reader
understand what is going on in the plot of the story.
Character 2
A. First, name and explain the situation/circumstance in terms of the body
part (from the back of the paper) that best describes or explains the
character’s experience/perspective.
B. Second, provide at least three details regarding the plot or necessary
background information to clarify important the points about the
character and his or her symbolic connection to the body part
C. Also, explain how the situation or circumstance helps the reader
understand what is going on in the plot of the story.
Character 3
A. First, name and explain the situation/circumstance in terms of the body
part (from the back of the paper) that best describes or explains the
character’s experience/perspective.
B. Second, provide at least three details regarding the plot or necessary
background information to clarify important the points about the
character and his or her symbolic connection to the body part
C. Also, explain how the situation or circumstance helps the reader
understand what is going on in the plot of the story.
Conclusion – you are on your own
Miscellaneous Considerations
No quotes or paraphrases from The Crucible are required, but as a writer if you
feel a quote is necessary for stronger writing and support of the theme words, you
must demonstrate proper use of MLA citation and documentation.
Even though you may choose to forgo the use of quotes or paraphrases in the
composition, provide a works cited for the play at the end of the composition. Use
your resources to make sure your works cited entries are in the correct order.
•
•
PICK 3 – You must use three different body parts.
Brain
Thinking – to make a decision or judgment
An important memory – a recollection or remembrance the character makes
Eyes
Watching/Observing
A character’s focus – intense or special attention given to someone or something
Mouth
Speaking – an important quote or conversation
Shoulders
Carrying a burden –a troubling time or problem for the character/also – help that
one character gives another
Spine
Backbone/Courage – something the character stands up for – a cause or a belief
Ears
Hearing/Listening – something important one character heard from another
character
Feet
Running from something – a problem, issue or situation the character is trying to
avoid
Something the character stands for – something the character values as important
Heart
Feeling/emotion – positive or negative emotion/also – empathy or sympathy from
one character to another
Hands
Carrying out a job or task