The Crucible – “Candle Essay” Analyzing symbol and theme in Arthur Miller’s play.

The Quote “They believed, in short that they held in their steady hands the candle that would light the world. We have inherited this belief, and it has helped and hurt us” (Miller 1236).

The Prompt In a one page essay, respond to the quote. Explain what “we” (the modern American audience and world) have inherited, using examples from the past and the present.

What are the parts of the candle symbol? The “Steady Hand” holding the candle. The “Candle” itself (with the flame and its capacity to light or burn). The dark room or world that is implied in the quote.

What does the candle image (including the symbol of the candle) represent? The “Steady Hand” : Confidence? Courage? Arrogance? Inflexibility? Something else?

The candle image (con’t) Truth and justice? Faith? Judgmental behavior? Scrutiny or persecution? Something else?

The candle image (con’t) The dark room or world: Ignorance? Superstition and fear? Perceptions of the state of the world that is “not us”? The unknown? Something else?

The Essay Choose one character from the play that best represents the symbol of the candle in the dark room (good or bad). Focus on either the negative implications of the symbol or the positive ones. Not both for this essay. Create a brief outline of your ideas for the one page essay before you write it. The essay falls into the “80% of your grade” category…

Outline Suggestions Paragraph One: Attention Getter (quote, rhetorical question etc.) Background for reader understanding (Meaning of symbol, title of play, author, time frame, context, etc.) Thesis Statement Example: “The Puritans presented in Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, thought that they were similar to a candle in a dark room because [Insert your idea] and [this idea] still exists in American society today.” NOTE: Do not just copy the thesis statement above if you want full credit. Phrase it in your own words and with your own ideas!

Outline Suggestions Paragraph Two: Discuss a character from the play that exemplifies the image of the candle in a TWO CHUNK PARAGRAPH (minimum). “Positive” aspects of the candle symbol: Rebecca Nurse represents some positive aspects of the candle symbol as does John Proctor, Rev. Hale, Giles Corey and others. (LIGHTING the world) “Negative” aspects of the candle symbol: Dep. Gov. Danforth represents some negative aspects of the candle symbol as does Abigail Williams, Rev. Parris, Thomas Putnam and Rev. Hale. (BURNING the world)

Outline Suggestions Paragraph Three Tie your representative character and the symbol of the candle into a theme that is present in the modern world, particularly the U.S. Explain how the Puritan beliefs that they are a “candle in a steady hand” have either hurt or helped the modern world, particularly the U.S. Explain what the modern world (through modern Americans) has “inherited” from the beliefs or viewpoints of the Puritans.

“Symbol and Theme” Essay Due Dates: Outline is due no later than next Friday. Final Essay to be completed in class the following Monday / Tuesday! It will require a rough (Monday) and final draft (Tuesday). You will be able to use your outline as a resource. (one page – DETAILED!)