John Proctor

The Crucible - John Proctor

Arthur Miller's "The Crucible" illustrates a powerful drama based on the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. A very strict theocracy rules Salem; a place where the bible is law and anyone who does follow the rules to the letter, must have dealings with the devil. The accusations of witchcraft in Salem start off by a group of girls who were caught dancing in the woods. Dancing is forbidden and out of fear of being punished or even accused themselves of witchcraft, the girls begin to accuse others for having been seen with the devil. In an attempt to prove that they were lying John Proctor sacrifices his own life to protect others. (LEAD IN SENTENCE). John Proctor portrays the classic tragic hero, in where his tragic error and overcoming of evil, becomes the cause of his untimely death.

Proctor, a farmer, has an affair with Abigail Williams, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Abigail mistakes the affair for true love and being the leader of the group of girls that are accusing others of witchcraft; she uses this to accuse his wife, Elizabeth. The affair also causes Elizabeth to distrust John, who for seven months has been trying to get into her good graces and is tired of her suspicion. He bluntly tells her "...I have not moved from there to there without I think to please you...I cannot speak but I am doubted, every moment judged for lies..."(52). This illustrates John's perseverance in attempting to redeem himself for his sin, but because of John's inability to control his desire and resist temptation, his life is being turned upside down by the jealousy and need for revenge of Abigail. This event marks Proctor's downfall and path to becoming a tragic hero.

As any tragic hero, Proctor is overcome by Abigail, a true symbol of evil. Proctor faces defeat when the court officials come to take Elizabeth away. Proctor is so infuriated by this assault on his house that he rips the warrant and tells them to leave rather forcefully saying, "Damn the Deputy Governor! Out of my house!"(77), demonstrating his intense love for his wife. Proctor shows signs of being a tragic