Theme: The Crucible, Act 2

Assignment:  To write an analytical paragraph that provides evidence (see picture at right of the evidence I gathered as I read Act 2) and commentary on  a selected theme.

Teacher Topic:  The Crucible, Act 2
John Proctor = Our inability to see our own faults.

Theme/Topic Sentence:  Lack of self-awareness leads to others being hurt.

Chunk 1:  Evidence/Commentary
In act two of The Crucible, John Proctor exhibits this characteristic during his discussion with his wife Elizabeth when he notes on page 51 that he "will not have your suspicions anymore."  Please hit the pause button.  Who cheated on whom here?  Now, granted he does avow that he has been faithful "these last seven months" and seems to consider his penance paid in full.  As a woman myself, who is attempting to place myself in Elizabeth's shoes, I just want to hear him say, "I am sorry.  I was wrong. Please, on bended knee, please forgive me. Please!" Of course, the societal expectations of 1692 might not allow for such submissive behavior from males, but, in this scene, the reader is compelled to almost blame Elizabeth because of Arthur Miller's excellent use of metaphors in this scene:  "It's winter in here" and "Your justice would freeze beer."

Chunk 2 Evidence/Commentary
Another example of Proctor's lack self-awareness occurs later on page 61 when, after being challenged by Reverend Hale, he states, "I never knew I must account to that man for I come to church or stay at home."



Concluding Sentence




Complete Paragraph
 Lack of self-awareness leads to others being hurt.  In act two of The Crucible, John Proctor exhibits this characteristic during his discussion with his wife Elizabeth when he notes on page 51 that he "will not have your suspicions anymore."  Please hit the pause button.  Who cheated on whom here?  Now, granted he does avow that he has been faithful "these last seven months" and seems to consider his penance paid in full.  As a woman myself, who is attempting to place myself in Elizabeth's shoes, I just want to hear him say, "I am sorry.  I was wrong. Please, on bended knee, please forgive me. Please!" Of course, the societal expectations of 1692 might not allow for such submissive behavior from males, but, in this scene, the reader is compelled to almost blame Elizabeth because of Arthur Miller's excellent use of metaphors in this scene:  "It's winter in here" and "Your justice would freeze beer." Another example of Proctor's lack self-awareness occurs later on page 61 when, after being challenged by Reverend Hale, he states, "I never knew I must account to that man for I come to church or stay at home."