1. Do Now #18:
Which of the following purposes do you think best summarizes the purpose Miller had for writing The Crucible? Work with a partner to choose a purpose and develop an explanation why.
To entertain To express To argue
To mediate To explain To evaluate
To inform To persuade

2. Aim: Did Miller fulfill his purpose in writing The Crucible?
Argument
Commentary
Assertion
Evidence

3. Aim: Did Miller fulfill his purpose in writing The Crucible?
Assertion—qualitative statement supporting or negating a thesis
Evidence—material used to support assertion
Commentary—writer’s demonstration of his or her reasoning for applying the evidence to the assertion.

4. Aim: Did Miller fulfill his purpose in writing The Crucible?
Assertion—”Wearing uniforms allows for no self-expression.”
Evidence—”The Constitution allows for freedom of expression.”
Commentary—”I’m a citizen of the United States, and all benefits of citizenship belong to me. Therefore, I’m allowed to express myself as I wish in my clothing.”

5. Aim: Did Miller fulfill his purpose in writing The Crucible?
Assertion: John Proctor is a hero.
Evidence: When John Proctor is marched off to die, Elizabeth declares, “He have his goodness now.”
Commentary: John, unlike other characters, follows his conscience. Proctor has developed a sophisticated sense of virtue he refuses to compromise. Rather than save himself, he brings honor to the “goodness” of others like himself who stand by their own integrity.