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JudgementExploring Themes in The Crucible

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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.

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Judgement Anxiety• Features one of the most famous trials in American history• Written in response to a trial• Motif

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Judgement QuotesAt First By 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!”

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The Meanings of “Judgement”

Question

In what ways is the word “judgement” used in these quotes?

1. Trial – legal2. Judging others – moral3. The Last Judgement – religious

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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?

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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.

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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.

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Thesis Statement Guidelines• Concise• Not too long• Scope isn’t too largeE.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…”

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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.

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Judgement in American Literature• “A Jury of her Peers” – Susan Glaspell

http://www.learner.org/interactives/literature/story/fulltext.html

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Sources

http://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/588/01/