Making claims about chARACTERS

WHAT IS A CLAIM? A claim is an arguable statement that expresses one’s opinion, interpretation or understanding of a topic. When you write an argumentative essay, you must make a claim about your topic and you must argue your claim: by providing evidence that supports and illustrates your points by explaining to/showing the reader HOW your evidence supports your points by leading the reader to the bottom line, that is, showing them the significance of the evidence and explanations in terms of your argument (How does it all add up???)

CLAIMS AND CHARACTERS Throughout our reading of The Crucible, we have been forming opinions and interpretations about the actions and motivations of many characters. We consider: WHAT do they do? (actions) WHY are they doing this? (motivations) HOW do these actions affect other characters or the plot? HOW do these details “add-up” to shape our understanding of the character and the play? We also know that, through his characters, Arthur Miller is attempting to help his audience arrive at some essential understanding about human nature and life in general. More about this later . . .

Claims and characters You are going to be divided into groups Each group will be assigned a character Your group will make a broad claim about your character’s motivations in ACT 3 You will provided quotes (textual evidence) to support your claim You will explain your character’s actions (in relation to your claim), You will explain the impact the character’s actions have on the plot or other characters You will refine your broad claim to make it more specific and to show the reader how your evidence and explanations “add up” to reveal something meaningful about the character and his/her role in the play (also called the “bottom line”, the “take away”, or the “so what”) See the following model . . .

Tituba in act 1

Broad claim: In Act 1, Tituba is influenced by her desire for freedom, as well as her fear of punishment.

Textual evidence: “Tituba terrified, falls to her knees: ‘No, no, don’t hang Tituba!’” (Miller 47). “You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba!” (Miller 47). “You are God’s instrument put in our hands to discover the Devil’s agents among us. You are selected, Tituba, you are chosen to help us cleanse our village” (Miller 49). “He say you work for me, Tituba, and I make you free! I give you pretty dress to wear, and put you way high up in the air, and you gone fly back to Barbados!” (Miller 49-50).

Explanation of your character’s actions and the impact those actions have on the plot or other characters: As Tituba is the first one to admit to witchcraft and accuses people, it impacts Abigail and the girls to do the same. It also influences Hale to act accordingly and assume witchcraft, instead of listening to Proctor and Rebecca Nurse.

More Specific Claim (the take-away/bottom line/so what?): Therefore, some could argue that Tituba started the hysteria, however her actions clearly show she was motivated by the desperate need to protect herself, as she had very little power in society.

So, now, I almost have a complete paragraph “In Act 1, Tituba is influenced by her desire for freedom, as well as her fear of punishment. As Tituba is the first one to admit to witchcraft and accuses people, it impacts Abigail and the girls to do the same. It also influences Hale to act accordingly and assume witchcraft, instead of listening to Proctor and Rebecca Nurse. Therefore, some could argue that Tituba started the hysteria, however her actions clearly show she was motivated by the desperate need to protect herself, as she had very little power in society.” Just need to incorporate some evidence (with context and explanation, of course) !!! “Tituba terrified, falls to her knees: ‘No, no, don’t hang Tituba!’” (Miller 44). “You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba!” (Miller 44). “You are God’s instrument put in our hands to discover the Devil’s agents among us. You are selected, Tituba, you are chosen to help us cleanse our village” (Miller 46). “He say you work for me, Tituba, and I make you free! I give you pretty dress to wear, and put you way high up in the air, and you gone fly back to Barbados!” (Miller 47).

Group Choices Group 1- Abigail Williams Group 2- John Proctor Group 3- Reverend Hale Group 4- Elizabeth Proctor Group 5- Mary Warren

Claim Starters “Throughout Act 3, (character’s name) is motivated by…” “(Character’s name) is moved to speak out against the court by (name an emotion)…” “Fear moves (character’s name) to (their actions/behavior in act 3)…” These are meant as suggestions for starting you off. REMEMBER: you must have evidence from the text to back it up!

Broad claim: (what can you infer about this character based on his/her actions in act iii?)

Textual evidence (what moments/quotes from the text have led you to this conclusion? Use 3-5 quotes with page #s)

Explanation of your character’s actions and the impact those actions have on the plot or other characters: (in 2-4 full sentences) How do your character’s actions affect the overall story or the other characters? How does your EVIDENCE show this?

More Specific Claim (the take-away/bottom line/so what More Specific Claim (the take-away/bottom line/so what?): (in 1-2 full sentences)