The Crucible Character Analysis Argumentative Paper Notes September 19, 2016

Argumentative Paper Prompt: Based on the events found in ALL Acts of The Crucible, which character is the most culpable for the events of the Salem Witch Trials? You are trying to prove that your CHARACTER is the MOST GUILTY for the tragic and senseless deaths within Salem. YOU ARE NOT TRYING TO SAY THAT EVERYONE ELSE IS INNOCENT—RATHER THAT YOUR CHARACTER HAPPENS TO BE THE MOST GUILTY EVERYONE IS GUILTY OF SOMETHING IN ONE WAY OR ANOTHER IN THIS PLAY—BE SURE TO INCLUDE THAT!

BRAINSTORM/OUTLINING— Pro/Con Chart The best way to brainstorm and outline an ARGUMENTATIVE paper is to begin with a pro and con chart. Write now, create a pro/con chart in your notebook and come up with 3 arguments you would use to convince your parents to stay out past your curfew and 3 arguments your parents would have for you to NOT stay out past your curfew. PRO CON 1. 2. 3.

Sample Pro/Con Chart PRO CON 1. I will have my cell phone and will check in with you 1. It is dangerous at night 2. I will be with ___________ and ________ and they are good kids. 2. How do I know ___________and ________are good kids? 3. We are going to be at ___________’s house/We are going to be at the movie theater/etc. 3. If you stay out late you will be too tired in the morning for __________ DO YOU LET YOUR PARENTS WIN THIS ARGUMENT? NO—YOU WILL OFFER REBUTTALS AGAINST THEIR ARGUMENT What are some possible rebuttals to the con side?

Sample Pro/Con Chart for Paper Pro—Arguments on why Deputy Danforth is the MOST GUILTY Con—Arguments on why Deputy Danforth is NOT the MOST GUILTY 1. He knew it was wrong/he knew they were innocent 1. Upholding the law 2. He was just trying to protect his reputation 2. He did not start this mess 3. Killed many innocent people 3. He didn’t know it was wrong until it was too late Now let’s think of some rebuttals for the CON SIDE:

Argumentative Format—Introduction I. Introduction Attention Getter—Quote, Overall theme of play, etc. Background—MUST INCLUDE Play title, author of play and a 2-3 sentence summary of the play. Thesis

Thesis Help Example While all the characters within Arthur Miller’s The Crucible are guilty for creating hysteria, Deputy Danforth is the most culpable for the events of the Salem Witch Trials due to his unwavering and selfish sense of justice.

Argumentative Format—Position Paragraph II. Position Topic Sentence Statement 1 Proof Commentary Statement 2 Statement 3 Concluding Sentence/Transition

Argumentative Format—Opposition Paragraph There are many critics that believe Danforth is not the most guilty character within the play. Critics argue that Danforth was simply just trying to do his job. However, Danforth failed to correctly follow numerous judicial procedures. For instance, Danforth did not request lawyers for the preliminary hearings, “ III. Opposition Topic Sentence Opposition Statement 1 Rebuttal Proof Opposition Statement 2 Opposition Statement 3 Concluding Sentence/Transition

Argumentative Format—Conclusion IV. Conclusion Refer to Attention Getter Re-state Position Statements (3) REWORD Thesis Clincher

Paper Specifications MLA FORMAT—10 POINTS OFF FOR INCORRECT FORMATTING AT LEAST 6 QUOTES—MOST LIKELY YOU WILL HAVE 7 (ATTENTION GETTER)—FAILURE TO HAVE AT LEAST 6 QUOTES WILL RESULT IN 20+ POINTS OFF TURNITIN.COM SUBMISSION ON TIME ORDER OF PAPER: TURNITIN.COM RECEIPT FINAL DRAFT ROUGH DRAFT QUOTE OUTLINE PAGE

WHEN IS IT DUE? THIS PAPER IS DUE AT 3PM ON THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 22, 2016 FOR 1/3/5 THIS PAPER IS DUE AT 3PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 FOR 2/4/6 FOR 7TH HOUR—THIS PAPER IS DUE AT 3:15PM ON FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2016 THIS PAPER IS WORTH 100 POINTS AND IS HEAVILY WEIGHTED WITHIN THE GRADEBOOK—DO NOT RUIN YOUR HARD WORK THIS QUARTER! GET THIS PAPER DONE. I AM HERE TO HELP