Egotism is one of the centrally important issues in The Crucible. Critically assess the validity of this statement. Your response should take the form of a well-constructed essay of 400–450 words (2–2½ pages).

NSC English HL Language structures and conventions: Egotism is one of the centrally

Egocentrism is indeed a central theme in Arthur Miller's The Crucible, portraying how the characters' self-interest drives the events of the play.

Introduction: Set the stage for discussing egotism and its impact on the narrative. Introduce the significance of personal motivations within the context of the witch trials.
Abigail Williams: Highlight Abigail's egotism as the catalyst for chaos. She manipulates the fears of the villagers to gain power and eliminate Elizabeth Proctor, demonstrating her willingness to sacrifice others for her desires.
Mary Warren's Transformation: Explore Mary Warren's journey from subservience to empowerment. Her newfound authority allows her a taste of respect, leading to her selfish decisions in siding with Abigail, which further contributes to the tragic outcomes.
Reverend Parris: Assess Parris as a character driven by self-preservation. His selfish motives lead to a lack of moral integrity, where he prioritizes his position over the truth, exacerbating the hysteria in Salem.
The Community's Response: Discuss how the villagers' egotistical motivations manifest in their actions. Many seek revenge or validation through accusations, illustrating how communal self-interest overrides justice.
Conclusion: Summarize the various facets of egotism in the play. Conclude by reinforcing the thesis that egotism is not just an individual trait but a collective malaise that ultimately leads to tragedy.