The Crucible essay

Essay 1 Discuss the changes that Reverend Hale undergoes in the course of the play. What is his central conflict? Keep in mind Hale’s initial opinion of what is happening in Salem, what he learns through interviewing the characters, and then evaluate his thoughts on what was occurring. Be sure to demonstrate in your essay how the author uses characterization to develop theme and enhance the meaning of the work. Support your analysis with concrete evidence and insightful, well-developed commentary.

thesis Throughout the play, Reverend Hale undergoes drastic changes that reveal a moral conflict, which highlights the idea that in a time of trial, rational thought cannot stand against the hysteria of a society in panic.

support Commentary: shows how specific examples reveal a piece of the thesis. It goes beyond plot by explaining what the text DOES. (Plot merely tells me what the text says in your own words.) Ex: Events that reveal Hale’s change from a believer of the girl’s stories of witchcraft, to one who questions their motives. When Hale sees Mary’s wavering in her support of Abigail, along with Proctor’s open confession to adultery, his logic and rational thought force him to question the validity of the accusations.

Analysis Analyze: This takes your commentary and explains what it MEANS. What is the author’s purpose? Hale’s change of heart is timely, but it is not enough to get Danforth to change his focus on finding and punishing those accused of witchcraft. He is already so deeply committed to the cause that he cannot see reason. This reveals that in a time of hysteria, an individual, no matter how rational, will not be heard clearly above the chaos.