The Crucible Outline

(I) Intro:

Topic sentence: John Proctor had a series of cause and effects that led up to his death.

(II) 1st Body

Topic sentence: The first cause of John's death was Abigail and the other girls' “ability” to see spirits inside people.

1. “I have seen my blood runnin' out! I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil's people...” (pg 108)

Commentary: Abigail is explaining how she is a respected person of the court and her word should be honored.

Commentary: Proctor knows she is lying but Danforth believes her every word.

2. “Don't lie! (To Hale:) She comes to me while I sleep; she's always making me dream corruptions!”

Commentary: Abigail is lying about Tituba “gathering souls for the Devil”.

Commentary: She knows that she's in a position of power because she is “pure”.

Concluding ideas/transition: Abigail's greed for power destroyed countless lives including John Proctor's.

(III) 2nd Body

Topic sentence: The first effect of John's death showed the insanity of Salem's governing body in believing Abigail and the girls'.

1. “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it!” (pg. 108)

Commentary: Abigail is using her power to take over the court in her favor.

Commentary: Danforth can't fight back since he might be called a devil worshipper.

2. Hale: “Abigail Williams told you it had naught to do with witchcraft!” (pg. 68)

Commentary: Hale is bringing evidence to the court that Abigail told Proctor the sickness had nothing to do with witchcraft.

Commentary: Danforth and the court is astonished and can't believe what he said.

Concluding ideas/transition: Trusting teenage girls was one of many mistakes Danforth and the court made.

(IV) 3rd Body

Topic sentence: The second cause of John Proctor's death was his inability to repeat the Ten Commandments in front of Hale.

1. “There be no love for Satan in this house” (pg. 67)

Commentary: Hale was questioning Proctor about the Ten Commandments. He failed to say all ten and they were out of order.

Commentary: Proctor promptly said his house was Christian and he has no love for Satan.