A loyal and loving wife A cold and unforgiving woman Which is closer to your view of Elizabeth Proctor? Support your argument with details from Miller's writing.

Mark scheme

Marking points from the official mark scheme (May/June 2010). The mark or mark type is shown in brackets.

1. There is a wide range of possible approaches here.
2. Both propositions have some truth in them.
3. There are a number of instances, particularly as the play progresses, which would support the positive view of her.
4. However, it is equally clear why Proctor should have fallen into temptation.
5. At the very least she clearly keeps her feelings on a tight rein and she is married to a passionate man.
6. In the early part of the play some might indeed call her cold, judgmental and slow to forgive.
7. Differentiate according to how well a case is argued and supported.
8. It may well be that this is most in evidence in answers which range between the two propositions but that should not be a requisite of high reward.
9. A strong argument for one or the other could well qualify for such reward.