Topics for Consideration Over THE CRUCIBLE

• Discuss the role that grudges and personal rivalries play in the witch trial hysteria.
• Discuss the role of authority in the drama; whose authority is "authentic"? What makes it authentic or genuine?
• What is the role of the individual in a society which demands conformity and consistency? What threat does an individual pose to the society? 
• How do the witch trials empower individuals who were previously powerless?
• How does John Proctor's great dilemma change during the course of the play?
• Why are Danforth, Hathorne, and the other authorities so resistant to believing the claim that Abigail and the other girls are lying?
• What kind of government does Salem have? What role does it play in the action?
• Analyze Reverend Parris. What are his motivations in supporting the witch trials?
• Discuss the changes that Reverend Hale undergoes in the course of the play.
• Examine the dynamics of Puritanism in 1692.
• What social and religious factors are given to account for the harsh response to witchcraft?
• Discuss Miller's treatment of women in The Crucible.
• What is the function of Reverend Hale in the play?
• Miller originally wrote The Crucible as a critique of McCarthyism, but he distanced his narrative by using the Salem witch trials as the setting for the play. Discuss the strengths and weaknesses of this approach.
• At the end of the play, John Proctor recovers his sense of goodness by tearing up the confession that would have saved his life. Given his character and the events which have led up to this moment, do you find this act believable? Fully explain your response.
• In The Crucible, Miller suggests that sacrifices may be necessary to restore the social order. Discuss the sacrifices made by the play's characters and whether you think they are necessary.
• How does the title relate to the story?
• In The Crucible Arthur Miller is making pointed comments about individuals and how we should operate in society'. Discuss with reference to the text.  
• What is Giles Corey's role in the play?
• How is Mary Warren used by both sides? Does she have an individual identity?