John Proctor's Motivation In The Crucible

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In the play,The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, One of the characters is motivated by something that influences the decisions that he makes throughout the play. First Proctor speaks out of the church by not going. Secondly, he commits adultery and stays quiet to try to save his wife's life. Finally, he confesses to witchcraft to then save his wife's life. These motivations lead to many deaths.
John Proctor stops going to church because of his hatred for Reverend Parris. Proctor does not like Paris because he believes that he talks more about Hell then the heavens and god. John Proctor does not want Reverend Paris to lay a hand upon his child because of his hatred for Paris. Proctor talking to Hale says, “I like it not that Mr. Paris should …show more content…
Proctor believes that he must rip up his confession to save his good name.“His breast heaving, his eyes staring, Proctor tears the paper and crumples it, and he is weeping in fury, but erect”(Miller 133). This quote shows that Proctor is trying to save his wife's life. Proctor leaps at Abigal and grabbing her by the hair, pulls her to her feet. She screams in pain. Danforth, astonished, cries” what are you about?” and Hathorne and Parris call ”take your hands off of her!” and out of it all comes Proctors roaring voice. “ How do you call heaven! Whore! Whore!” (Miller 101). This quote shows that Proctor is treating Abigail differently than the rest of town. John Proctor confesses to save his good name. Proctor, loudly, says,”Because it's my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies!”(Miller 133). This quote shows that when he finally confesses, it is because he is trying to save his good name.
In the play, The Crucible, there are multiple situations that motivate certain characters. First, Proctor stops going to church because of his hatred for reverend Parris. Secondly, he commits adultery and tries to be quiet about it to save his own life. And finally, he confesses to save his wife, and his good
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