Justice and Judgement Exploring Themes in The Crucible J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Thesis The Crucible encourages readers to question their assumptions about judging others and thereby reveals how the act of passing judgement is really a means of exercising power. J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Judgement Anxiety Features one of the most famous trials in American history Written in response to a trial Motif J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Judgement Quotes At FirstBy End of Play “Wherefore is everybody suing everybody else?” (25) “I cannot judge you, John.” (109) “It is agreed, sir—it is agreed—we will abide by your judgement.” (31) “Do what you will. But let none be your judge. There be no higher judge under Heaven than Proctor is!” (110) “I cannot speak but I am doubted, every moment judged for lies, as though I come into a court when I come into this house!” (45) “Then who will judge me? (Suddenly clasping his hands.) God in Heaven, what is John Proctor, what is John Proctor?” (110) “Let you fear nothing! Another judgement awaits us all!” J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

The Meanings of “Judgement” Question In what ways is the word “judgement” used in these quotes? 1.Trial – legal 2.Judging others – moral 3.The Last Judgement – religious J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Questions Asked Who has the right to judge? Who decides what’s evidence, what’s admissible in court? When does the judgement process begin? Why is such a decision reached? I.e. what motives affect a decision? How should we judge? J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Task In groups of four, formulate a thesis statement explaining what message you think Miller is conveying about justice and judgement. Then, select three examples to support each point you plan to make. J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Revision: Thesis Statement Introduction Lays out main ideas/arguments A “road map” E.g. This essay argues that The Crucible reveals a disjunction between morality and justice, and contains a rather didactic warning against judging others. J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Thesis Statement Guidelines Concise Not too long Scope isn’t too large E.g. DON’T craft something like: “This essay argues that American literature is concerned with issues of justice.” Comprehensive Mentions all the main points Contestable Signpost E.g. “This essay argues that…” J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Contestable I.e. can someone argue with/add to your argument? Non-debatable theses: Pollution is bad for the environment. This essay focuses on Arthur Miller’s use of characterisation. Debatable theses: America’s anti-pollution effort should focus on privately owned cars. This essay examines Arthur Miller’s use of language and argues that The Crucible suggests that power is reified through contests over interpretation. J. Phay / American Lit / 2013

Judgement in American Literature J. Phay / American Lit / 2013 “A Jury of her Peers” – Susan Glaspell

Sources J. Phay / American Lit / 2013