Wednesday, December 11, 2013

December 11, 2013

The Crucible: What do you think?  Great play, isn't it?


John Proctor gives up his life rather than lie to the court to save himself. Did he do the right thing? Most people proclaim a resounding "Yes!" and this is the standard interpretation, which is true to a large extent. Arthur Miller, after all, wrote this play to convince people to stand up for the truth during the McCarthy Red Scare when people were falsely accused of being communists and their careers ruined. I think that you can make a strong argument, however, that John shouldn't have sacrificed his life. Perhaps this is why the play is so tragic and also why Proctor is so noble.

Here's your assignment for tomorrow: Argue both sides.
Write 3/4 page supporting the idea that Proctor did the right thing.
Write 1/2 page supporting the notion that Proctor should not have done what he did.
Remember, to support your argument you will need to cite a few specific details from the play, preferably actual quotes with page numbers.
25 minutes

Watch the movie

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