John Proctor The Crucible

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In The Crucible written by Arthur Miller, John Proctor is portrayed as a wealthy farmer living in Salem, Massachusetts. Well-respected amongst the townsfolk, Proctor worked hard to provide for his family. Though, when the notorious witch trials began in 1692, bits and pieces of Proctor’s spirit began to wash away into the depths of hysteria following the false accusations being made. In Puritan society, if someone was accused of witchcraft, that person would be immediately condemned to death. Several innocent people were hanged, and it became evident that the teenage accusers were only pointing fingers as a way of getting revenge. Proctor realizes this quickly, and he boldly chooses to speak out, knowing that he was questioning the legitimacy …show more content…
His lust for her managed to not only ruin his marriage with his wife, Elizabeth, but it also caused him to become a target alongside her. Throughout the play, Proctor is harassed by Abigail, who continues to harbor some leftover feelings for him. When she realizes that Elizabeth is the only thing standing in between her and Proctor, Abigail sets forth on a mission to destroy her. Proctor, realizing his role in the entire mess, says, “God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself entirely in your hands” (p. 110). He continues to fight against the court, hoping to save Elizabeth somehow. Though, his failed attempts do not save him from being arrested. Abigail and the other girls accuse Proctor of associating with the Devil, and he is quickly thrown into jail. However, months after being arrested, Proctor is given the opportunity to walk away with his life if he chooses to confess. At the very last minute, he decides that he does not want to give a false confession because it would dishonor the people that have already died. Refusing to play the court’s games, Proctor yells, “Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” (p. 143). Proctor does not want to tarnish the one thing …show more content…
Proctor did not agree with the court’s proceedings, and he was not afraid to voice his opinions. One’s values as an individual have the power to impact the way he or she views society as a whole. Proctor refused to simply be a bystander to such a malicious crime. By going against the court, he was subjecting himself to a lot of judgment. Tragic heroes tend to have conflict with their societies because they are incapable of standing on the sidelines. When the going gets tough, someone has to have the courage to stick up for those that cannot find it within themselves to do so. Proctor did what he felt was right, despite the consequences, and that is what makes him a tragic
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