THE CRUCIBLE SSIP NOTES – JHB SOUTH (D.

11) JULY 2022-MR BS PRINCE

DRAMA – ENGLISH HL SSIP CAMP LITERATURE NOTES [15 PAGES]

HERE IS A BRIEF PLOT SUMMARY OF THE CRUCIBLE, BY ARTHUR MILLER:

(COMPILER- BS PRINCE)

List of characters:
John Proctor A local farmer who lives just outside town; Elizabeth Proctor’s husband.
A stern, harsh-tongued man, John hates hypocrisy. Nevertheless, he
has a hidden sin—his affair with Abigail Williams—that proves his
downfall. He qualifies as a tragic hero as he fits the criteria. He is good
and upright but his fatal flaw is his lust for Abigail which led to an affair
and sparked his wife’s jealousy. This sets the witch hysteria trials in
motion. He realizes he can stop Abigail’s rampage only if he confesses
to the affair. However, he fears ruining his reputation. He attempts
through Mary Warren’s testimony without revealing all the facts. When
all else fails he blurts out a confession, calling Abigail a “whore” and
proclaiming his public guilt. Proctor’s confession succeeds only in
leading to his arrest and conviction as a witch, and though he
lambastes the court and its proceedings, he is also aware of his terrible
role in allowing this fervor to grow unchecked. He succumbs, even
signing a written confession. by the end of the play he is more
concerned with his personal integrity than his public reputation. He still
wants to save his name, but for personal and religious, rather than
public, reasons. Proctor’s refusal to provide a false confession is a true
religious and personal stand. Such a confession would dishonor his
fellow prisoners, who are brave enough to die as testimony to the truth.
Perhaps more relevantly, a false admission would also dishonor him,
staining not just his public reputation, but also his soul. By refusing to
give up his personal integrity Proctor implicitly proclaims his conviction
that such integrity will bring him to heaven. He goes to the gallows
redeemed for his earlier sins. As Elizabeth says to end the play,
responding to Hale’s plea that she convince Proctor to publicly confess:
“He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!”
Abigail Williams Reverend Parris’s niece. Abigail was once the servant for the Proctor
household, but Elizabeth Proctor fired her after she discovered that
Abigail was having an affair with her husband,
Reverend John A young minister reputed to be an expert on witchcraft. Reverend Hale
Hale is called in to Salem to examine Parris’s daughter Betty. Hale is a
committed Christian and hater of witchcraft. His critical mind and
intelligence save him from falling into blind fervor. His arrival sets the
hysteria in motion, although he later regrets his actions and attempts to
save the lives of those accused.
Elizabeth Proctor ohn Proctor’s wife. Elizabeth fired Abigail when she discovered that her
husband was having an affair with Abigail. Elizabeth is supremely
virtuous, but often cold.
Reverend Parris The minister of Salem’s church. Reverend Parris is a paranoid, power-
hungry, yet oddly self-pitying figure. Many of the townsfolk, especially
John Proctor, dislike him, and Parris is very concerned with building his
position in the community.

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Rebecca Nurse Francis Nurse’s wife. Rebecca is a wise, sensible, and upright woman,
held in tremendous regard by most of the Salem community. However,
she falls victim to the hysteria when the Putnam’s accuse her of
witchcraft, and she refuses to confess.
Francis Nurse A wealthy, influential man in Salem. Nurse is well respected by most
people in Salem but is an enemy of Thomas Putnam and his wife.
Judge Danforth The deputy governor of Massachusetts and the presiding judge at the
witch trials. Honest and scrupulous, at least in his own mind, Danforth
is convinced that he is doing right in rooting out witchcraft.
Giles Corey An elderly but feisty farmer in Salem, famous for his tendency to file
lawsuits. Giles’s wife, Martha, is accused of witchcraft, and he himself
is eventually held in contempt of court and pressed to death with large
stones.
Thomas Putnam A wealthy, influential citizen of Salem, Putnam holds a grudge against
Francis Nurse for preventing Putnam’s brother-in-law from being
elected to the office of minister. He uses the witch trials to increase his
own wealth by accusing people of witchcraft and then buying up their
land.
Ann Putnam Thomas Putnam’s wife. Ann Putnam has given birth to eight children,
but only Ruth Putnam survived. The other seven died before they were
a day old, and Ann is convinced that they were murdered by
supernatural means.
Ruth Putnam The Putnam’s’ lone surviving child out of eight. Like Betty Parris, Ruth
falls into a strange stupor after Reverend Parris catches her and the
other girls dancing in the woods at night.
Tituba Reverend Parris’s black slave from Barbados. Tituba agrees to perform
voodoo at Abigail’s request.
Mary Warren The servant in the Proctor household and a member of Abigail’s group
of girls. She is a timid girl, easily influenced by those around her, who
tried unsuccessfully to expose the hoax and ultimately recanted her
confession.
Betty Parris Reverend Parris’s ten-year-old daughter. Betty falls into a strange
stupor after Parris catches her and the other girls dancing in the forest
with Tituba. Her illness and that of Ruth Putnam fuel the first rumors of
witchcraft.
Martha Corey Giles Corey’s third wife. Martha’s reading habits lead to her arrest and
conviction for witchcraft.
Ezekiel Cheever A man from Salem who acts as clerk of the court during the witch trials.
He is upright and determined to do his duty for justice.
Judge Hathorne A judge who presides, along with Danforth, over the witch trials.
Herrick The marshal of Salem.
Mercy Lewis One of the girls in Abigail’s group.

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SUMMARY OF THE PLOT:

Act One
The opening narration explains the context of Salem and the Puritan colonists
of Massachusetts, which the narrator depicts as an isolated theocratic society (is a form of
government in which a deity of some type (God in this instance) is recognized as the
supreme ruling authority, giving divine guidance to human intermediaries that manage the
day-to-day affairs of the government.0 in constant conflict with Native Americans. The
narrator speculates that the lack of civil liberties, isolation from civilization, and lack of
stability in the colony caused latent internal tensions which would contribute to the events
depicted in the play.The remainder of Act One is set in the attic of local preacher Reverend
Samuel Parris. His ten-year-old daughter, Betty Parris, lies motionless. The previous
evening, Reverend Parris discovered Betty, some other girls, and
his Barbadian slave, Tituba, dancing naked in the forest and engaged in some sort of pagan
ritual. The village is rife with rumors of witchcraft and a crowd gathers outside Rev. Parris'
house. Parris becomes concerned that the event will cause him to be removed from his
position as the town's preacher. He questions the girls' apparent ringleader, his niece Abigail
Williams, whom Parris has been forced to adopt after her parents were brutally killed in King
Philip's War. Abigail denies they were engaged in witchcraft, claiming that they had been
dancing (Devilish act, not allowed in Puritan society). Afterwards, the wealthy and
influential Thomas Putnam and his wife, Ann arrive. At the Putnams' urging, Parris
reluctantly reveals that he has invited Reverend John Hale, an expert in witchcraft and
demonology, to investigate and leaves to address the crowd. The other girls involved in the
incident join Abigail and a briefly roused Betty, who attempts to jump out of the window.
Abigail coerces and threatens the others to "stick to their story" of merely dancing in the
woods. The other girls are frightened of the truth being revealed (in actuality, they tried to
conjure a curse against Elizabeth Proctor) and being labelled witches, so they go along with
Abigail. Betty then faints back into unconsciousness. John, a local farmer and husband of
Elizabeth, enters. He sends the other girls out (including Mary Warren, his family's maid) and
confronts Abigail, who tells him that she and the girls were not performing witchcraft. It is
revealed that Abigail once worked as a servant for the Proctors, and that she and John had
an affair, for which she was fired. Abigail still harbors feelings for John and believes they are
reciprocated, but John denies this. Abigail angrily mocks John for denying his true feelings
for her. As they argue, psalm is sung in the room downstairs, Betty bolts upright and begins
screaming.
Rev. Parris runs back into the bedroom and various villagers arrive: the wealthy and
influential Thomas and his wife, Ann Putnam, respected local woman Rebecca Nurse, and
the Putnam's neighbor, farmer Giles Corey. The villagers, who had not heard the argument,
assume that the singing of a psalm by the villagers in a room below had caused Betty's
screaming. Tensions between them soon emerge. Mrs. Putnam is a bereaved parent seven
times over; she blames witchcraft for her losses and Betty's ailment. Rebecca is rational and
suggests a doctor be called instead. Mr. Putnam and Corey have been feuding over land
ownership. Parris is unhappy with his salary and living conditions as minister, and accuses
Proctor of heading a conspiracy to oust him from the church. Abigail, standing quietly in a
corner, witnesses all of this.Reverend Hale arrives and begins his investigation. Before
leaving, Giles fatefully remarks that he has noticed his wife reading unknown books and
asks Hale to look into it. Hale questions Rev. Parris, Abigail and Tituba closely over the girls'
activities in the woods. As the facts emerge, Abigail claims Tituba forced her to drink blood.
Tituba counters that Abigail begged her to conjure a deadly curse. Parris threatens to whip

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Tituba to death if she does not confess to witchcraft. Tituba breaks down and falsely claims
that the Devil is bewitching her and others in town. With prompting from Hale and Putnam,
Tituba accuses Sarah Osborne and Sarah Good of witchcraft. Mrs. Putnam identifies
Osborne as her former midwife and asserts that she must have killed her children. Abigail
decides to play along with Tituba in order to prevent others from discovering her affair with
Proctor, whose wife she had tried to curse out of jealousy. She leaps up, begins contorting
wildly, and names Osborne and Good, as well as Bridget Bishop as having been "dancing
with the devil". Betty suddenly rises and begins mimicking Abigail's movements and words,
and accuses George Jacobs. As the curtain closes, the three continue with their accusations
as Hale orders the arrest of the named people and sends for judges to try them.
Act Two
In a second narration, the narrator compares the Colony to post-World War II society,
presenting Puritan fundamentalism as being similar to cultural norms in both the United
States and the Soviet Union. Additionally, fears of Satanism taking place after incidents in
Europe and the colonies are compared to fears of Communism following its implementation
in Eastern Europe and China during the Cold War. (Again, narration not present in all
versions).
The remainder of Act Two is set in the Proctors‘ home. John and Elizabeth are incredulous
that nearly forty people have been arrested for witchcraft based on the pronouncements of
Abigail and the other girls. John knows their apparent possession and accusations of
witchcraft are untrue, as Abigail told him as much when they were alone together in the first
act, but is unsure of how to confess without revealing the affair. Elizabeth is disconcerted to
learn her husband was alone with Abigail. She believes John still lusts after Abigail and tells
him that as long as he does, he will never redeem himself.
Mary Warren enters and gives Elizabeth a 'poppet' (doll-like puppet) that she made in court
that day while sitting as a witness. Mary tells that thirty-nine have been arrested so far
accused as witches, and they might be hanged. Mary also tells that Goody Osburn will be
hanged, but Sarah Good's life is safe because she confessed she made a compact with
Lucifer(Devil) to torment Christians. Angered that Mary is neglecting her duties, John
threatens to beat her. Mary retorts that she is now an official in the court, she must have to
go there on daily basis and she saved Elizabeth's life that day, as Elizabeth was accused of
witchcraft and was to be arrested until Mary spoke in her defense. Mary refuses to identify
Elizabeth's accuser, but Elizabeth surmises accurately that it must have been Abigail. She
implores John to go to court and tell the judges that Abigail and the rest of the girls are
pretending. John is reluctant, fearing that doing so will require him to publicly reveal his past
adultery.
Reverend Hale arrives, stating that he is interviewing all the people named in the
proceedings, including Elizabeth. He mentions that Rebecca Nurse was also named, but
admits that he doubts her a witch due to her extreme piousness, though he emphasizes that
anything is possible. Hale is skeptical about the Proctors' devotion to Christianity, noting that
they do not attend church regularly and that one of their three sons has not yet
been baptized; John replies that this is because he has no respect for Parris. Challenged to
recite the Ten Commandments, John fatefully forgets "thou shalt not commit adultery". When
Hale questions her, Elizabeth is angered that he does not question Abigail first. Unsure of
how to proceed, Hale prepares to take his leave. At Elizabeth's urging, John tells Hale he
knows that the girl's afflictions are fake. When Hale responds that many of the accused have
confessed, John points out that they were bound to be hanged if they did not; Hale

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reluctantly acknowledges this point.

Suddenly, Giles Corey and Francis Nurse enter the house and inform John and Hale that
both of their wives have been arrested on charges of witchcraft; Martha Corey for reading
suspicious books and Rebecca Nurse on charges of sacrificing children. A posse led by
clerk Ezekiel Cheever and town marshal George Herrick arrive soon afterwards and present
a warrant for Elizabeth's arrest, much to Hale's surprise. Cheever picks up the poppet on
Elizabeth's table and finds a needle inside. He informs John that Abigail had a pain-induced
fit earlier that evening and a needle was found stuck into her stomach; Abigail claimed that
Elizabeth stabbed her with the needle through witchcraft, using a poppet as a conduit. John
brings Mary into the room to tell the truth; Mary asserts that she made the doll and stuck the
needle into it, and that Abigail saw her do so. Cheever is unconvinced and prepares to arrest
Elizabeth.
John becomes greatly angered, tearing the arrest warrant to shreds and threatening Herrick
and Cheever with a musket until Elizabeth calms him down and surrenders herself. He calls
Hale a coward and asks him why the accusers' every utterance goes unchallenged. Hale is
conflicted, but suggests that perhaps this misfortune has befallen Salem because of a great,
secret crime that must be brought to light. Taking this to heart, John orders Mary to go to
court with him and expose the other girls' lies, and she protests vehemently. Aware of John's
affair, she warns him that Abigail is willing to expose it if necessary. John is shocked but
determines the truth must prevail, whatever the personal cost.
Act Three
The third act takes place thirty-seven days later in the General Court of Salem, during the
trial of Martha Corey. Francis and Giles desperately interrupt the proceedings, demanding to
be heard. The court is recessed and the men thrown out of the main room, reconvening in
an adjacent room. John Proctor arrives with Mary Warren and they inform Deputy Governor
Danforth and Judge Hathorne about the girls' lies. Danforth then informs an unaware John
that Elizabeth is pregnant, and promises to spare her from execution until the child is born,
hoping to persuade John to withdraw his case. John refuses to back down and submits a
deposition signed by ninety-one locals attesting to the good character of Elizabeth, Rebecca
Nurse and Martha Corey. Herrick also attests to John's truthfulness as well.
The deposition is dismissed by Parris and Hathorne as illegal. Rev. Hale criticizes the
decision and demands to know why the accused are forbidden to defend themselves.
Danforth replies that given the "invisible nature" of witchcraft, the word of the accused and
their advocates cannot be trusted. He then orders that all ninety-one persons named in the
deposition be arrested for questioning. Giles Corey submits his own deposition, accusing
Thomas Putnam of forcing his daughter to accuse George Jacobs in order to buy up his land
(as convicted witches have to forfeit all of their property). When asked to reveal the source
of his information, Giles refuses, fearing that he or she will also be arrested. When Danforth
threatens him with arrest for contempt, Giles argues that he cannot be arrested for
"contempt of a hearing." Danforth then declares the court in session and Giles is arrested.
John submits Mary's deposition, which declares that she was coerced to accuse people by
Abigail. Abigail denies Mary's assertions that they are pretending, and stands by her story
about the poppet. When challenged by Parris and Hathorne to 'pretend to be possessed',
Mary is too afraid to comply. John attacks Abigail's character, revealing that she and the
other girls were caught dancing naked in the woods by Rev. Parris on the night of Betty
Parris' alleged 'bewitchment'. When Danforth begins to question Abigail, she claims that
Mary has begun to bewitch her with a cold wind and John loses his temper, calling Abigail a

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whore. He confesses their affair, says Abigail was fired from his household over it and that
Abigail is trying to murder Elizabeth so that she may "dance with me on my wife's grave."
Danforth brings Elizabeth in to confirm this story, beforehand forbidding anyone to tell her
about John's testimony. Unaware of John's public confession, Elizabeth fears that Abigail
has revealed the affair in order to discredit John and lies, saying that there was no affair, and
that she fired Abigail out of wild suspicion. Hale begs Danforth to reconsider his judgement,
now agreeing Abigail is "false", but to no avail; Danforth throws out this testimony based
solely upon John's earlier assertion that Elizabeth would never tell a lie.
Confusion and hysteria begin to overtake the room. Abigail and the girls run about
screaming, claiming Mary's spirit is attacking them in the form of a yellow bird, which nobody
else is able to see. When Danforth tells the increasingly distraught Mary that he will
sentence her to hang, she joins with the other girls and recants all her allegations against
them, claiming John Proctor forced her to turn her against the others and that he harbors the
devil. John, in despair and having given up all hope, declares that "God is dead", and is
arrested. Furious, Reverend Hale denounces the proceedings and quits the court.

Act Four
Act Four takes place three months later in the town jail, early in the morning. Tituba, sharing
a cell with Sarah Good, appears to have gone insane from all of the hysteria, hearing voices
and now actually claiming to talk to Satan. Marshal Herrick, depressed at having arrested so
many of his neighbors, has turned to alcoholism. Many villagers have been charged with
witchcraft; most have confessed and been given lengthy prison terms and their property
seized by the government; twelve have been hanged; seven more are to be hanged at
sunrise for refusing to confess, including John Proctor, Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey.
Giles Corey was tortured to death by pressing as the court tried in vain to extract a plea; by
holding out, Giles ensured that his sons would receive his land and possessions. The village
has become dysfunctional with so many people in prison or dead, and with the arrival of
news of rebellion against the courts in nearby Andover, whispers abound of an uprising in
Salem. Abigail, fearful of the consequences, steals Parris's life savings and disappears on a
ship to England with Mercy Lewis.
Danforth and Hathorne have returned to Salem to meet with Parris, and are surprised to
learn that Hale has returned and is meeting with the condemned. Parris, who has lost
everything to Abigail, reports that he has received death threats. He begs Danforth to
postpone the executions in order to secure confessions, hoping to avoid executing some of
Salem's most highly regarded citizens. Hale, deeply remorseful and blaming himself for the
hysteria, has returned to counsel the condemned to falsely confess and avoid execution. He
presses Danforth to pardon the remaining seven and put the entire affair behind them.
Danforth refuses, stating that pardons or postponement would cast doubt on the veracity of
previous confessions and hangings.
Danforth and Hale summon Elizabeth and ask her to persuade John to confess. She is bitter
towards Hale, both for doubting her earlier and for wanting John to give in and ruin his good
name, but agrees to speak with her husband, if only to say goodbye. She and John have a
lengthy discussion, during which she commends him for holding out and not confessing.
John says he is refusing to confess not out of religious conviction but through contempt for
his accusers and the court. The two finally reconcile, with Elizabeth forgiving John and

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saddened by the thought that he cannot forgive himself and see his own goodness. Knowing
in his heart that it is the wrong thing for him to do, John agrees to falsely confess to
engaging in witchcraft, deciding that he has no desire or right to be a martyr.
Danforth, Hathorne, and a relieved Parris ask John to testify to the guilt of the other hold-
outs and the executed. John refuses, saying he can only report on his own sins. Danforth is
disappointed by this reluctance, but at the urging of Hale and Parris, allows John to sign a
written confession, to be displayed on the church door as an example. John is wary, thinking
his verbal confession is sufficient. As they press him further John eventually signs, but
refuses to hand the paper over, stating he does not want his family and especially his three
sons to be stigmatized by the public confession. The men argue until Proctor renounces his
confession entirely, ripping up the signed document. Danforth calls for the sheriff and John is
led away, to be hanged. Facing an imminent rebellion, Putnam and Parris frantically run out
to beg Proctor to confess. Hale, guilty over John's death, pleads with Elizabeth to talk John
around but she refuses, stating John has "found his goodness".

KEY CONVEPTS IN THE PLAY

McCarthyism While Arthur Miller was writing The Crucible, Senator Joseph McCarthy
was conducting a campaign to root out communists in American public
life. In his memoir, Timebends, Miller sees a connection between the
Salem witch trials and McCarthy's campaign. Hunt out the witches as
you hunt out the communists.
Puritan Society Puritans left England for America to avoid religious persecution. They
established a society who were expected to live by a strict moral code.
All sins – from sleeping in church to stealing food – should be punished.
God would punish sinful behaviour. They believe that they can only be
safe if they stick together and live in good organized Christian
community. They are afraid of everything different and believe that the
devil is living in the woods that surround Salem village.
Role of women Boston, Massachusetts was a man's world. Women were responsible for
in Puritan caring for their husbands; and as mothers, producing and guiding the
society next generation of Puritan children. Women did not participate in town
meetings and were excluded from decision making in the church.
Puritan ministers furthered male supremacy in their writings and
sermons. They preached that the soul had two parts, the immortal
masculine half, and the mortal feminine half.
THEMES & MOTIFS IN THE PLAY
Hypocrisy In the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller the theme of hypocrisy is used
to show the weakness of the character, Reverend Samuel Parris, to
effectively expose the mischief of Abigail Williams, and to reveal that
when people are faced with fear, they tend to lose reason. Look at
Proctor, Rev. Hale, Abigail Williams, Mary Warren, Putnam.
Reputation Most of the characters of the story strive hard to maintain their
reputations. The prominent example is John Proctor, who hides his affair
with Abigail. He fears it will harm his reputation in the society.
Hysteria Hysteria also upholds thematic significance in the play because the
society in Salem is engulfed in the accusations of witchcraft. The rapid

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growth of hysteria in Salem destroys the impact of rational thinking. Act

1 of the play starts giving clues of hysteria when Abigail tries to escape
from the harsh judgment blaming Tituba of witchcraft. The existence of
evil plot creates tension in the town, as the people do not find any fault
in punishing the accusers. Hence, they believe that women were truly
guilty of witchcraft and chose to punish them without an inquiry. Often
mass hysteria numbs people’s mind and makes them vulnerable.
Absolute The desire to attain power serves as blood for the people of Salem. The
(abuse) power pillars of traditional power, the church, and the court worked in unison.
and authority The judges exercise their absolute power by rejecting Proctor’s rational
explanation and punishing him and acquitting the girls, who are guilty.
Progress in Abigail’s character, from an orphan teenager to the witness
of a sinister plot, highlights the theme of power in the play. From a
helpless girl, she becomes crafty and capable of destroying innocent
lives through such accusations.
Guilt The theme of guilt is related to the progress in John Proctor’s character
in the play. He is ashamed of the infidelity committed in the past and
wants to bury it deep in the heart as if it never existed. He fails to
relegate his guilt to the background. In reaction to this, he turns against
Elizabeth, accusing her of being judgmental. In reality, his sin is
responsible for his mental confusion. Hale also becomes the victim of
his guilt, as he once believed people engaged in witchcraft are sinners.
Portrayal of The women’s portrayal in the play is not of a typical Victorian era. They
Women are not portrayed as servants to men, mothers or wives. Miller presents
them keeping in mind the attitude of the society toward women in 1950s
when writing The Crucible. The most prominent character, Abigail,
portrayed as a promiscuous young woman, represents a few women
during that period. She is selfish and becomes extremely revengeful
when John leaves her. On the contrary, there were many women like
Rebecca, a nurse, who chooses to sacrifice herself over a false
statement. Again, a few women held false standards of feminity like
Elizabeth, John Proctor’s wife, in the society of that time.
Deception Deception and lies present another important theme that runs
throughout the play. It does not include myths related to black magic or
witchcraft. It includes lies that people tell to save their false reputations
in society. The girls of the town tell lies in the court thinking they can
continue this by deceiving others. Putnam deceives the innocents to
take control of their lands. Proctor deceives Elizabeth and himself by
keeping the secret of his adultery in his heart to secure his false
reputation
Goodness People tend to want to look good in society (even though at times it is a
façade). Abigail blaming Tituba for devilish activity, to present herself as
good.
Judgement Deputy governor Danforth believes his decisions are absolute and
refuses to change his mind even after having proof of their innocence.
Hale, on the other hand, does not care about the rules. In fact, he
intends to save people. These incidents happen when people consider
themselves the custodians of justice and fair play.

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Jealousy & Abigail’s jealousy towards Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth. False judgement
Intolerance and intolerance is evident when characters accuse one another of
witchcraft based on judgement and to enact revenge.
Egotism Egotism lies at the heart of the girls' accusations. The importance of self
above others.
Revenge In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, the Salem witch trials provides the
perfect opportunity for some of the less respectable characters to
seek revenge against their imagined enemies. Revenge is paying back
someone that has wronged you by inflicting some type of pain on them.
Abigail Williams is the ultimate example of a woman scorned, furious at
being dumped by John Proctor after he ends their brief affair. So she
sets out to destroy not just him but his whole family. Thomas Putnam’s
failure at breaking his father's will was again humiliation of his honor
and his what he believed his good name. As a result of this
humiliation, Thomas Putnam found his revenge by accusing
many people of witchcraft and also having his daughter cry out against
the innocent people of Salem Village. Proctor: Rather than take
responsibility for the pig's death, he seeks revenge by accusing Martha
of bewitching his livestock. The most prominent example
of vengeance fueling the witch trials concerns Abigail Williams
accusing Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft and attempted murder.
Abuse of power Look at how powerful “men of the cloth” (ministers of religion) and “the
bench” (judges) abuse power.
SOME CRITICAL LITERATURE CONCEPTS TO GRASP:
✿ TONE refers to the language used by a speaker or writer to instigate an emotional
effect on the listener or reader. The reader must bear in mind that the writer is in a
certain frame of mind while writing – and this has an influence on the choice of
language and vocabulary that is used. Tone can be positive, negative or neutral.
✿ MOOD refers to the atmosphere that is created for an audience through the tone
of a text.
✿ DENOTATION refers to what a word means in its literal sense.
✿ CONNOTATION refers to the emotional meaning that we associate with a word.
✿ IRONY: the expression of one's meaning by using language that normally signifies
the opposite, typically for humorous or emphatic effect. Also, known as a paradox.
✿ DRAMATIC IRONY: irony inherent in speeches of characters, where the audience
is aware of a fact/ event/ truth, but characters in the play are unaware of the original
intention/ double meaning by the speaker of the dialogue.
✿ STAGE DIRECTIONS: an instruction in the text of a play indicating the
movement, position (place) body language, or tone of an actor, or the sound effects
and lighting. (very popular question)
✿ PERCEPTION: the act or faculty of perceiving, or apprehending by means of the
senses or of the mind; cognition; understanding. immediate or intuitive recognition or

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appreciation, as of moral, psychological, or aesthetic qualities; insight; intuition;

discernment: an artist of rare perception.
Question words to familiarise yourself with in answering contextual questions:

A quick wins strategy would be to read questions quickly in the exams prior to
attempting answers and see how many you are able to answer.

Question words Meaning (What to do?)

Place the above extract in context The circumstances that form the setting for the
extract in front of you in the exam question
paper in terms of which it can be fully
understood.
Discuss Talk about or write about in detail, taking out
into account different issues or ideas
Discuss the significance The importance of this in context.
What impression is created What does the reference in the question lead
you to think
Explain the mood The atmosphere of the narrative/ feeling which
is created
What is the tone…? The viewpoint/ attitude of a writer on a
particular subject, with reference to diction.

Explain Make clear the meaning of something, by

describing it in more detail or revealing
relevant facts

Do you agree – Asks for your opinion Take a stance with a definite Yes or No.
However, no marks for Yes or No, rather for
your justification.
Response is NOT always YES. Do not doubt
yourself…know your text!
The above question is usually followed Show or prove the statement to be right or
by: Justify your response reasonable.

Based on your knowledge of the novel/ Consider the novel in its totality, taking into
play/ drama as a whole account not just the extract in front of you. This
could be based on a theme/ symbol or a
character (or the words of a character in a
drama/ novel).
If you were the director of a production of What is happening...Othello is appealing to
Othello, how would you instruct the actor Lodovico and the assembled company to listen
to deliver these lines? Justify your to the reasons for his actions.
instructions with reference to both body Tone (how he would say it) There is an
language and tone. element of pride and condescension in his
tone when he mentions his 'service' to the
State.
Body language…He might raise his hand to
stave off being seized by the guards/extend his
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hand in appeal/point to himself to emphasise

his words. His tone becomes dismissive as he
comes to realise the insignificance of his past
deeds
Evaluate effectiveness/ Form a judgement of the statement in the
appropriateness of… question from an analysis. Break down the
pros and cons of the issue at hand
Comment on the effectiveness of Express your opinion or reaction to the degree
to which the reference in the
question/statement is successful or not in
producing a desired result. Express your
Comment on the significance Express your opinion or reaction to the
importance of the “reference in the question/
statement.
Account for… Give reason for the “statement in the question
Based on your knowledge of the novel/ Consider the novel in its totality, taking into
play/ drama as a whole account not just the extract in front of you. This
could be based on a theme/ symbol or a
character (or the words of a character in a
drama/ novel).
Evaluate effectiveness/ Form a judgement of the statement in the
appropriateness of… question from an analysis. Break down the
pros and cons of the issue at hand
Comment on the effectiveness of Express your opinion or reaction to the degree
to which the reference in the
question/statement is successful or not in
producing a desired result. Express your
Comment on the significance Express your opinion or reaction to the
importance of the “reference in the question/
statement.

NOW LET US APPLY THESE QUESTION ACTION WORDS TO THE “THE

CRUCIBLE’ EXTRACT
Please refer to your Prelim P2 (2021) for practise in answering contextual questions.
LITERARY ESSAY – REFER TO RUBRIC TO VIEW MARKING AND CREDITING
OF ESSAY.

If you want a good mark for your Lit Essay, stick to criteria for 1-4, NOT 5-7!

HERE IS SAFE

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 7 Not Difficult to determine if topic has been Not Response bears some relation
achieve addressed. - No evidence of planned structure achieve to the topic but argument
d 0–2 or logic. - Poor language. Incorrect style and d 0–4 difficult to follow or largely
JULY 2022-MR BS PRINCE

•It is a reasoned response to a question or statement on a work of Literature.

½

marks tone. - No paragraphing or coherence. marks irrelevant. - Poor attempt at

6 Element Poor presentation and lack of planned structure Element Poor grasp of topic. - Response
ary 3– impedes flow of argument. - Language errors ary repetitive and sometimes off the

Complied by Mr BS
3 and incorrect style make this a largely 4 – point. - No depth of argument,

•You MAY agree, disagree or provide a mixed response to the topic.

½

½
5 Moderat Structure shows faulty planning. - Arguments Moderat Very ordinary, mediocre attempt
e 4–4 not logically arranged. - Language errors e 6–7 to answer the question. - Very
½

marks evident. Tone and style not appropriate to the marks little depth of understanding in
4 Adequat Some evidence of structure. - Essay lacks a Adequat - Fair interpretation of topic, not
e 5–5 well-structured flow of logic and coherence. - e7 – all aspects explored in detail. -
½

½
marks Language errors minor, tone and style mostly 8 Some good points in support of

½
3 Substan Clear structure and logical flow of argument. - Substan Shows understanding and has
THE CRUCIBLE SSIP NOTES – JHB SOUTH (D.11)

tial 6– Introduction and conclusion and other tial 9– interpreted topic well. - Fairly
6 paragraphs coherently organised. - Flow of 10 detailed response. - Some
½

marks argument can be followed. - Language, tone marks sound arguments given, but not

HOW TO WRITE A LITERARY ESSAY

2 Meritori Essay well structured. - Good introduction and Meritori - Above average interpretation
ous 7– conclusion. - Arguments and line of thought ous of topic, all aspects adequately
7 easy to follow. - Language, tone and style 10 – explored. - Detailed response. -
½

½½
marks correct and suited to purpose. - Good 11 Range of sound arguments
1 Outstan Coherent structure. - Excellent introduction and Outstan In-depth interpretation of topic,
ding 8– conclusion. - Arguments well-structured and ding all aspects fully explored. -
10mark clearly developed. - Language, tone and style 12–15 Outstanding response: 90%+.
s mature, impressive, correct marks Excellent response: 80–89%. -
Range of striking arguments
ALLOCATION

ALLOCATION
of topic. Depth

[10] Structure,

tone and style

STRUCTURE
Interpretation

presentation.
LANGUAGE
of argument,

and grasp of
RANKINGS

justification

used in the
logical flow
CONTENT

Language,

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MARK

MARK

MARK

ssay.
AND
text.
[15]

and
THE CRUCIBLE SSIP NOTES – JHB SOUTH (D.11) JULY 2022-MR BS PRINCE

•The style of this Essay is FORMAL. Avoid colloquial language, e.g.. “The
writer is “like” saying…”things” , “that guy "and contractions, e.g.. can’t
•Study topic carefully and underline key words with a highlighter.
•Brainstorm all your ideas. In this case, write down all the reasons why you
agree or disagree with topic.
• Structure your ideas: Once you have all of your ideas, you can start
evaluating which ones you think will be best for your topic. Eliminate ideas
that will not work.
• Prepare your evidence: Next to each of your major points put examples
from the novel/ play that support your argument. NB Ask yourself if this
argument answers the essay question.
• NB: Decide on paragraphs: Put your ideas in an order. Each major
argument should form one paragraph.
• Structure your essay PARAGRAPHS as follows:
• P: Point – state your point
• E: Explain your point
• E: Provide evidence/ examples from the play/ novel
• R: Relate your point back to the essay question.
• INTRODUCTORY PARAGRAPH:
 Rewrite the essay topic in your own words and state your stance (say whether
you agree or disagree). This is your thesis statement – tell the examiner how
you will go about structuring your argument.
 Briefly mention the points you will give in support of your stance on the topic.
 Formulate a thesis statement based on the topic. Avoid being creative.
 HAVE ONE PARAGRAPH FOR EACH MAJOR POINT.
 NEVER RETELL THE WHOLE STORY. Only retell the bits of the story
(examples) that back up your point and say something like this “ this example
shows us that…” and relate that example back to your point and the essay
question.
 Make sure that each paragraph follows the PEER outline.
 CONCLUDING PARAGRAPH
 Never introduce new facts into your conclusion.
 Here briefly say what you covered in your essay, and what you have now
“shown” the reader. (Sum up your argument)
 NEVER ADD IN RHETORICAL QUESTIONS IN YOUR CONCLUSION.
 REMEMBER
 Always give your essay a title. Always write in the present tense.
 When you mention the name of a play or a novel, put it in inverted commas.
 In plays you speak about the audience, in novels you speak about the reader.
 Your language must be formal. (No abbreviations, slang or colloquialism)
 Do not write conversationally (E.g. So now you guys see .. )
 DO not write in the first person (“ I think …” rather say “so one can see…)
 Your tone (your attitude to the subject) must be appropriate – don’t sound
arrogant and don’t attack.
 If needed, place points/facts in chronological order.
 Make sure that your paragraphs flow from one into the other.
 Use the linking words below.
 Use words like “Also/ Furthermore/In Addition / Moreover” if you want to
add to a point that you made in the previous sentence.

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 Use words like “ Contrary/ However/ Conversely/ In opposition/ On the

other hand” if you want to use the word “but” to start a sentence.
 If AND is overused, it usually slips into a narrative/ creative essay where you
merely retell the plot to examiner which is NOT A GOOD IDEA.
SAMPLE ESSAY QUESTION:
NEVER ATTEMPT A WORK OF FICTION YOU HAVE NOT READ OR STUDIED!!!
NEVER RETELL OR SUMMARISE THE PLOT AS YOUR RESPONSE TO THE
LITERARY ESSAY!!!
For essay-type questions you have to know your characters, themes, events &
actions, symbolism as well as motifs. Study these from acclaimed study guides and
visit websites such as LitCharts and SparkNotes to prepare yourself thoroughly for
any eventuality. Try sample topics from past exam question papers and attempt a
planning and writing of a final essay for practise.
 Examiners also look at what is TOPICAL/ CURRENT NEWS in the country to
bring in the relevance of the work of fiction being studied. Eg.
Possible essay topics you can practise:Know your characters, themes and
motifs as a possible essay topic may be derived from any of these. THESE
MAY ALSO APPEAR IN CONTEXTUAL QUESTIONS!
EXAMPLE OF AN ESSAY QUESTION AND MEMORANDUM
John Proctor's behaviour throughout the play has unintended consequences. Critically discuss
the extent to which you agree with the above statement. Your response should take the form of
a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2 ½pages). [25]
Below is the basis for answering this essay. Use the following as a guideline only. However,
also allow for answers that are different, original and show evidence of critical thought and
interpretation. • A range of examples may be used by the candidates to support their
arguments. • Refer to page 37 for the rubric to assess this question.
Candidates might argue that, while Proctor might not have foreseen the consequences of many
of his actions, there are some actions for which he intends the outcome. • Proctor's attraction to
Abigail and their subsequent affair have far-reaching consequences for him personally, as well
as for the villagers of Salem. • His affair with Abigail stirs her passionate nature and makes her
aware of the hypocritical behaviour of people in Salem. Her subsequent behaviour is beyond
his control. • Proctor does not expect his rejection of Abigail to result in her desire for revenge.
It is her drinking of blood to cast a spell against Elizabeth that prompts the rumours of
witchcraft. The consequences of these allegations are dire as many innocent people are
condemned as witches. • Proctor's challenging of authority establishes him as a non-conformist
and makes him an unwitting target of suspicion. • Initially, Proctor does not take the rumours of
witchcraft seriously and believes that the courts will be rational in their dismissal of the
allegations. For this reason, he delays in sharing the information he has from Abigail that the
girls were simply sporting in the forest. He does not foresee that this procrastination will result
in the tragic events that follow. • His attempt to protect his reputation also prevents him from
revealing his infidelity. Had he done this, the court would have been aware of Abigail's less
than innocent nature and they might have been more inclined to question her motives. When
he does reveal the truth, this counts against him. • It is only when Elizabeth and his friends'
wives are threatened that Proctor commits himself to fighting the corruption of the court. This
however, comes too late to prevent the tragic execution of many innocent people. • Proctor is
determined to be true to himself and protect his name. By standing up for justice, Proctor
knowingly chooses death. He does not intend to expose the corruption of the court per se and
certainly does not expect to be regarded as a hero. • He willingly sacrifices his good name in
order to protect his wife. Only through his public acknowledgement of the affair does Proctor
regain his wife's trust and the respect of the villagers. His reputation is not tarnished as he has
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expected. • Because of Proctor's refusal to comply with the court's demand that he sign his
name to his confession and betray his friends, the villagers start questioning the authority of the
court. This shift in attitude brings an end to the witch trials and to the theocratic system of
government. Proctor does not anticipate that his actions will have such far-reaching
consequences. [Credit valid alternative/mixed responses.]
Examples of essay topics:
The female characters in Arthur Miller's The Crucible are victims of a male-dominated society.
In a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2 ½pages), critically assess the
validity of this statement. [25]
The problem of making moral choices is a significant issue in the play. Critically assess the
validity of this statement. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of
400–450 words (2–2 ½pages). [25]
John Proctor is responsible for his own tragic fate. Assess the validity of this statement. Your
response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2 ½pages).
[25]
Egotism is one of the centrally important issues in The Crucible. Critically assess the validity of
this statement. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450
words

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