1. The Crucible Character Analysis Argumentative Paper
Notes
September 19, 2016

2. 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!

3. 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.

4. 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?

5. 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:

6. 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

7. 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.

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

10. 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

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

12. 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

13. 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