John Proctor's Transformation In The Crucible

Barnes 1
Charis Barnes
CP English 11
Mrs. Bradley
7 November 2016
From a Sinner to a Saint Sophocles once said, “All men make mistakes, but a good man yields when he knows his course is wrong, and repairs the evil.” Throughout the play The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, John Proctor changes himself for the better. He experiences many different hardships that make him want to improve his character. John Proctor transforms from a sinner and finds his way to redemption through confession.
John Proctor portrays himself as a sinner in many different aspects of his life. Although not a large sin, John treats his servant girl, Mary Warren, poorly. “I’ll show you a great doin’ on your arse one of these days. Now get you home; my wife is waitin’ with …show more content…
Aye, but we did not. (177)
He is not willing to acknowledge what he does, but rather he just pretends it does not happen. Another one of the sins that he commits is adultery. “I know how you clutched my back behind your house and sweated like a stallion whenever I come near!” (177). John and Abigail perform intimate acts together; John is anxious and flirtatious around Abigail. In addition to adultery, John makes it clear that he has a guilty conscience. John yells out, “Can you speak one minute without we land in Hell again? I am sick of Hell!” (181). John is uncomfortable discussing the
Barnes 2 topic of Hell because he fears his sins will land him there. It is common for John to tell white lies in order to protect himself from the shame and judgement of others. “Why, then, it is not as you told me” (193). John knows that Elizabeth will be suspicious of him if she knows what really occurs, therefore he makes alterations to the story. On top of all of this, John does not attend church on a regular basis:
HALE. In the book of record that Mr. Parris keeps, I note that you are rarely in the church on Sabbath day.
PROCTOR. NO, sir, you are mistaken.
HALE. Twenty-six time in seventeen month, sir. I must call that rare.

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The Crucible John Proctor's Transformation