Prompt 01
Essay task
AP LiteratureAP LanguageCommon Core ElaAQAIB Language & Literature
In The Crucible, Arthur Miller uses the Salem witch trials as a metaphor for McCarthyism and the threats posed by mass hysteria. Write a well-structured essay where you argue how Miller employs the themes of fear, power, and personal integrity to critique how societies can forsake reason and justice during times of moral panic.
Your essay should:
- Present a clear, defensible thesis that articulates a specific claim about Miller's thematic argument.
- Support your claim with at least three pieces of textual evidence from the play.
- Analyze how Miller's dramatic techniques — including characterization, conflict, and dialogue — bolster his central message.
- Address a counterclaim or complicating factor, explaining how it enhances or nuances your argument.
Guiding Questions to Consider Before Writing
- Who wields power in Salem, and how is that power upheld or misused?
- What drives characters like Abigail Williams, Deputy Governor Danforth, and John Proctor?
- How does the idea of reputation influence the decisions of the characters?
- What does Miller imply about an individual's duty to challenge unjust authority?
Suggested length
4–6 paragraphs (approximately 600–900 words)