Madden 1

Austin Madden

Mr.Smith

E Block

4/14/2023

The Crucible & Civil Disobedience

Thesis: In The Crucible, Arthur Millers views on when one should rebel against the norm are

shown by two specific characters. These characters risked their lives sticking up for what was

right. But, in Civil Disobedience, Thoreau has a different but similar view. He thinks one should

simply withdraw all support for what is wrong and not do anything major until that is really

needed.

In Civil Disobedience Throeau clearly believes that people should stand up for what is right even

if their idea of standing up is not that grand of a gesture. He also believes that people shouldn’t

wait around for things to change around them. Thoreau says, “but it is his duty, at least, to wash

his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his

support”(Thoreau). As long as you are not participating in or supporting the problem, you are

standing up against it. Thoreau also believes that one should not wait around for change, Men

generally, under such a government as this, think that they ought to wait until they have

persuaded the majority to alter them. They think that, if they should resist, the remedy would be

worse than the evil. Why is it not more apt to anticipate and provide for reform? Why does it not

cherish its wise minority? Why does it cry and resist before it is hurt? Why does it not encourage

its citizens to be on the alert to point out its faults, and do better than it would have

them?”(Thoreau). Most people wait for someone else to attempt to make change. Thoreau

wonders why those people who wait can't be the ones who start said change. If someone sees
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something that is wrong, and they want change, they should work toward it themselves. Thoreau

believes that someone who sees something wrong should withdraw all supports they may give it,

or use their own power and attempt to make change.

In The Crucible, it is shown that Arthur Miller believes one should rebel against the norm when

it is unfair and even if you may be at risk. For example, when John Proctor refuses to admit to

witchcraft even in the face of death or torture, “PROCTOR: I cannot mount the gibbet like a

saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man. [She is silent.] My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no

good man. Nothing’s spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long before”(Miller).

Proctor admits that he can’t lie just to save himself as that is not the person he is. This is similar

to when Giles Corey refuses to give up the name of someone who gave him information, “Giles:

I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife's name once and I'll burn in hell long enough

for that. I stand mute”(Miller). Giles Corey’s refusal to give up the name shows that he is not

backing down in the face of death. He isnt letting the authoritarian court scare him into going

against what he knows is right. Both Giles Corey and John Proctor standing up against the

leaders in Salem show Miller's view on when one should rebel against the norm. He thinks one

should rebel against the norm to stick up for what they believe is right, even if you may face a

consequence.

Civil Disobedience is connected to The Crucible because in both people are forced to stand up

against something they think is wrong. Thoreau says, “...but it is his duty, at least, to wash

his hands of it, and, if he gives it no thought longer, not to give it practically his

support”(Thoreau). Thoreau gives an example of civil disobedience that is not as out there.

All one would have to do is just not give the problem any thought or support. This is

demonstrated in The Crucible when John Proctor refuses to go to Church, “Proctor: I—I have no
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love for Mr. Parris. It is no secret. But God I surely love. Cheever: He plow on Sunday,

sir”(Miller). Proctor mentions how he loves God, but not Reverend Parris. He would go to

church but he has decided against going to church where Parris was the preacher. Miller has

similar views as Thoreau in the way that civil disobedience may be just not participating. Both

pieces of evidence connect to prove the connection between the values of Thoreau and Miller.

Rubric
Skill Not Foundational Proficient Advanced
Yet

Identifies a topic Makes a statement Makes a complex

that answers the statement that
Thesis/Claim essential question or answers the
relates to the conflict essential question or
of man versus relates to the conflict
society of man versus
society; addresses a
nuance or limitation
of the claim

Includes evidence Includes multiple Includes specific,

from one or less of pieces of evidence meaningful, and
the texts from both texts that well-chosen
Evidence relates to the thesis evidence that relates
Some evidence to the thesis
relates to the thesis
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Summarizes sources Explains how Explains

evidence supports well-selected points
Analysis/ topic sentence of of comparison
Synthesis individual among sources and
paragraphs and evidence and their
thesis/essential connection to the
question thesis/essential
question
Explains how the
texts/sources are
related, though
points could be more
selective or better
developed

Includes elements of a At least three Follows paragraph

Organization multi-paragraph paragraphs with clear organization and is
response topic sentences, organized to show how
transitions, and ideas build on one
concluding statements another
that return to the
thesis/essential
question

Shows evidence of Most quotes are All quotes are

basic proofreading correctly integrated correctly integrated

Follows essay Shows evidence of

Conventions
organization careful proofreading

Shows evidence of
proofreading