The Crucible by Arthur Miller Research Paper

The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a remarkable work which connects events across nearly 400 years of American history. Set in 1692 in Salem, Massachusetts, the play is based on historical fact and on the struggles of actual people who lived during that period; however, Miller also meant the play to serve as a commentary on the “witch hunts” of his own era--the anti-communist hysteria that fueled the investigations by HUAC and by Senator Joseph McCarthy in the early 1950’s.

 After reading the play in class, you will conduct an investigation of your own. You will choose one of the following two questions:

• To what extent is The Crucible historically accurate?

• How are the political events of the 1950’s reflected in The Crucible?

 Next, you will spend time pre-writing and planning your paper with the help of an outline. Since this paper is primarily a comparison/contrast essay, a Venn Diagram or T-chart may also be useful.

 Finally, you will write a research paper (essay) in which you explore the question you have chosen. Your paper must have:

• an introduction, including
• a strong thesis statement which carefully articulates the assertion which you will be trying to prove;
• body paragraphs which have
• topic sentences and which
• support your thesis and which
• use as evidence direct quotes from the play and from your Internet sources;
• a conclusion which ties the whole paper together.

LENGTH: approximately 1500 words