The character of John Proctor was a tragic hero in The Crucible. Proctor was a sensible farmer that had committed the sin of adultery. He had a tragic flaw that lead to his downfall. Proctor’s excessive pride hindered him from reality. He felt that the Salem witch trials would and could not affect him. However, he was wrong because his former lover Abigail accuses his wife of witchcraft. Proctor does not want to tell the public about his affair, but when he does it is too late. Elizabeth Proctor was brought up and convicted of witchcraft.
As the plot of the play continues, Proctor tries to save his wife. Proctor convinces Mary Warren to confess what she knows about Abigail. But, in the process Abigail causes chaos and Mary is scared therefore telling lies instead of the truth. Proctor admits his sin of adultery at this time. This can be seen as his attempt to cleanse his soul. He states that his wife will admit that this is true. Elizabeth is questioned and says that Proctor was lying. Proctor felt solemn and thought that she only wanted to save him, even if it meant losing her life. Proctor is then considered to be a liar and is thrown into prison.
The only way to get out of prison was to admit falsely to the sin of witchcraft. Elizabeth is asked to get John to plea guilty. Proctor decides to confess falsely. Proctor is asked to sign a confession. When he does, the court is overjoyed and they prepare to hang the confession on the court doors. They felt that if proud Proctor could confess, then everyone else would be able to. Proctor then finds a newfound sense of courage as he rips up the confession. Proctor chooses death to preserve his good name and dignity. He does not want to set a false example for society. Proctor feels that he had been fighting hard for justice and now was no time to quite. Proctor fights for truth and justice to the death. Proctor dies enlightened and recognizes his dignity as a man. We can then conclude that the title The Crucible is quite appropriate because it means a hard test or serve trial.
The Essay on John Proctor Abigail Man Trials
At the end of the play, The Crucible, Reverend Hale insists that John Proctor (a man in his middle thirties with a wife and two sons) design to hang instead of admitting he was with the devil is an act of excessive pride on stubbornness. I think that John Proctors last act was an act of honor. Reason being, if someone did not do something why should they say they did it and say they saw others do ...
John Proctor is tragic hero because he is able to overcome his tragic flaw of hubris, but still the circumstances led to his death. Proctor admits his sins and faults. He chooses death to fight for justice, dignity, keep his good name, hold on to his beliefs, and save society. If most of us were confronted with the same situation, most of us would choose to lie. We would want to protect ourselves and live. Because Proctor is a tragic hero in a tragic plot, tragedy for the common man is clearly achieved in The Crucible.
