Proctor knows that Parris is more concerned about his own pride rather than looking out for the welfare of Salem. This is ironic because Parris was said to be a man of God and yet, he speaks of hell and his primary concern is not the church. John Proctor feels that he has too much power and therefore is compelled to protect that is power at all costs. He is so frustrated with a church and the mob mentality in the town of Salem, Proctor feels obliged to say, “I sayI sayGod is dead”(119).
In a community that is known for its spiritual zeal, this shows how much of an impact the hysteria had made in the town of Salem.
Proctor felt that all the people that had previously claimed’ “to be members of the church”(93), including Reverend Parris are not living up to their spiritual reputation. This bothers Proctor because he strives to be true to who he really is. Parris accuses John of not going to church regularly and this intensifies Proctor’s hate for Reverend Parris. John decides not go to church because it is so corrupted by the power hungry Reverend Parris. Just as John Proctor spoke out against injustice, we too can and should do the same.
Although Proctor was constantly faced with trials that tested his integrity, he always stood strong when these trials presented themselves. One example of Proctor’s courage and inner strength is apparent when he says, “Elizabeth I have confessed it”(64).
When he himself admits to adultery, there is no question whether he really did it or not. From then on John’s good reputation will be permanently blemished in the town Salem. He will now be seen in a different light, that of an untrustworthy farmer with a corrupted history. John Proctor realizes that what he did with Abigail was serious in by saying, “I lusted…
The Essay on John Proctor Parris Abigail Conflicts
EMOTIONAL CONFLICTS In the play, The Crucible, Author Miller develops numerous conflicts between characters. Miller sets his play in Salem Massachusetts, an environment with which was notoriously known for its witch trials of 1692. As reverend of Salem and father and uncle of initially accused witches, Reverend Parris plays an enormous role in the plot of this story. Young Abigail is the heart and ...
I set myself entirely in your hands. I know you must see it now”(110).
Here Proctor accepts the fact that he committed a crime and will ultimately pay for it with his life. He has repented from his previous course and now can live with clean conscience and although adulterated in minor ways, he must receive much credit for never being afraid to be so outspoken. For most of the play John stays free from the hysteria in the town, but eventually his wife as well as himself is accused of witchcraft. When Proctor was accused of witchcraft and was asked to sign his name to conjuring spirits, he refused saying, “Because it is my name!
Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How many I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave my name! ”(143).
This “my name quote” shows what is really important to him, his name and reputation. He preferred to die in a honorable fashion rather than having guilt hanging over his head for the rest of his life. Another quote that shows John Proctor’s courage is right before he is hanged, he was asked to sign the document, “to be nailed upon the church”(142).
He confesses to get his wife Elizabeth out of prison and uncover the reason for her being accused. He knows that Abigail is trying to get Elizabeth killed so that her desire to marry John can finally be met. John realized this and again spoke out against injustice. Proctor wanted to honor those who died faithfully and therefore admits to the sin he has been hiding. He feels he “cannot mount the gibbet like a saint”(136) and therefore first admits to lechery before he is executed. John Proctor lived and died as an honorable man in Salem.
He was not a perfect man and admittedly some of his decisions were not right. However he won the battle against his conscience and righted the wrong to the best of his ability, motivated by protecting his family’s name from shame. He paid for these convictions with his life. Throughout the play The Crucible, John is motivated to tell the truth even though it ruins reputation, and contributes to the theme of someones reputation. Although he lived and died in the seventeenth century his example is timeless as we are faced with situations similar to his.
The Essay on The Crucible John Proctors Decision To Die Was Justifiable
John Proctors Decision To Die Was Justifiable In the novel The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, a strict and disciplined puritan town is dealing with a case of witchcraft. It started when a group of girls were found dancing and participating in mysterious acts in the forest. John Proctor, a simple farmer in this rigorous and religious town, is a man of strong moral beliefs, concerned only for the ...
