John Proctor's Decision In The Crucible

Words: 277

Pages: 2

In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John Proctor is asked to confess to a lie to avoid execution, but he chooses a virtuous death in favor of disgraceful survival. His righteous decision to sacrifice his life is the breaking point that leads to the eradication of theocracy in Salem. Proctor’s decision has a monumental impact on the town that’s leaning towards rebellion as “[at] the congregation for John Proctor’s excommunication, there were hardly thirdly people there to hear it…[which shows] discontent…[as Proctor] has great weight yet in the town,” (118). Skepticism in the legitimacy of witchcraft is already at an all-time high and Proctor choosing to die is the defining moment that pushes the needle past the threshold. Immediately after Proctor’s

Show More

The Crucible and Wife Elizabeth Proctor Essay example

applies to the central character, John Proctor, who is the protagonist in he play titled The Crucible. Arthur Miller wrote the non fiction play in 1690 which took place in Salem, Massachusetts where religion and corruption is strongly aggressive. Most of The Crucible is about John Proctor's quest to regain his self image back from his mistakes. It is proctors journey from guilt to redemption. “We born, we die, and in between everyone makes mistakes.” John Proctor who is a husband, father…

Words 598 - Pages 3

John Proctor Tragic Hero

Tragic Hero Analysis of The Crucible Tragic heroes have been used as storytelling devices in literature for centuries, so audiences could find themselves sympathizing with this trope of character. The Crucible, written in 1953 by Arthur Miller, is a fictionalized play retelling of the real-life Salem Witch Trials. The Crucible details the tragedies that took place in Salem, Massachusetts, featuring accusations of witchcraft thrown the town's way. As rumors hit the town, the main character, Abigail…

Words 928 - Pages 4

Role Of Sacrifice In The Crucible

Proctor’s decision to not confess to crimes that he did not commit was a protest against the deaths of innocents and and means of redeeming his sins. Ultimately, his sacrifice is the spark that ended Salem’s theocracy and the action that makes him the most Christ-like. By adapting John Proctor’s story in The Crucible, Arthur Miller condemns the persecution of innocents but also pays homage to all those who have risked their lives (and in many cases lost them) in order to defend them. Like Jesus’…

Words 109 - Pages 1

John Proctor Character Development Essay

I think the character of John Proctor shows both external and internal character development throughout the play. His character follows a trajectory that is propelled by a series of conflicts that challenge his beliefs, values, and relationships. Internally, John Proctor struggles with guilt and shame over his affair with Abigail Williams. This moral conflict is the catalyst for his internal development. His sense of guilt not only strains his marriage with Elizabeth Proctor, but also weighs heavily…

Words 358 - Pages 2

Who Is John Proctor A Hero In The Crucible

One of the strongest human drives seems to be the desire for power. Every sticky situation has a hero that tries to solve the problem, such John Proctor in The Crucible, by Arthur Miller. John does everything he can think of to try and save his wife. In the process, he reveals his darkest secrets and loses all credibility. Proctor is a sinner, disloyal husband, and not the best Christian, as he does not attend service very often and his youngest son is not even baptized. If Proctor is a true hero…

Words 849 - Pages 4

The Crucible Research Paper

Imagine someone has spent their life trying to become a good person and make better decisions each day, only for something terrible to occur and hurt them in several ways. While this may seem like an extreme situation, this is exactly what happens to several characters in The Crucible, as well as several historical figures. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a tragedy play based on the Salem Witch trials set in the Massachusetts Bay Colony. The play is a direct allegory for the 1950 McCarthy hearings…

Words 1434 - Pages 6

The Crucible Response Essay

is a Crucible? This is the question many people are likely to ask when they see the title of Arthur Miller`s play, The Crucible. One definition of a crucible is a container that separates metals at high temperature. Another, is a severe test or trial. The Crucible, is a metaphor for the life trials people go through which lead to exposing the ones truth or the values people live or die by. Miller has John Proctor mimic his own values and the struggles during the McCarthy hearings. John Proctor…

Words 685 - Pages 3

The Crucible Five-Act Structure Essay

catastrophe. Famous authors like Shakespeare expanded the original divisions into a five-act structure comprised of an exposition, rising action, climax, falling action, and denouement. Although it was a four act play, Arthur Miller, author of The Crucible, utilized the five-act structure to further develop his plot. The exposition of a five-act structure introduces the setting, main characters, and conflict of a literary work. The audience gains critical information that is crucial for understanding…

Words 857 - Pages 4

Essay Salem Witch Trials and Final Scene

The Crucible The Final Scene Pages 113- 126 John Proctor has a decision to make in the final scene – to confess or not to confess. John Proctor He wants to stay alive for his wife, children and unborn child. He does not see himself as a good man – he has sinned in the past and still carries the guilt of that. Hale argues that life is God’s most precious gift – more important than any principle. If he does confess then his reputation is destroyed – he will lose his good name. His confession…

Words 655 - Pages 3

Essay On Fear In The Crucible

The sight of the dead bodies swinging in the breeze only made the crowd shout more due to the terrifying thought they would be next. This is exactly what happened in The Crucible. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, centers around the Puritan town of Salem which is known for the Salem Witch Trials. The play revolves around young Abigail Williams and a group of adolescent girls who end up accusing many townspeople in fear of getting in trouble after the girls were seen dancing in the woods. In order to…

Words 853 - Pages 4