John Proctor - Character Analysis
The character John Proctor from Arthur Miller's; The Crucible is a model example of a tragic hero. Proctor is initially made out to be a character that has committed the sinful crime of adultery and is struggling to re-establish his trustworthiness in himself and his wife. As The Crucible progresses a great transition in nature and character occur in John Proctor, making the audience sympathize with him when his downfall occurs. A tragic hero is defined as someone usually of great stature that falls into a condition of sheer depression. As the audience witnesses the fall of this character they would feel helpless understanding that the fall of this hero was caused by chance, fate or a critical flaw in his character. This essay will outline how John Proctor is initially portrayed by Arthur Miller, what the chinks in his armour are, how his character strengthens, and how John Proctor's inner strength prevails towards the end of the play.The audience first see John Proctor as a man of great stature and impeccable wit that has committed a degrading act, which now makes him weaker in personality and filled with guilt. A sense of suspicion also lingers about him, since his wife does not completely trust him
John when given the choice to make a public confession, bring shame on those who stand by the truth, and live or to stand by the truth and others that believe in it, and be hanged. Proctor now accepts that he must face the court and Abigail for his wife now stands to hang. Within the same act the audience see Proctor in the light of a stern irritable man trying his utmost to erase his sin of committing adultery. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. When the witch trials begin, Proctor knows that the girls are a fraud. This action, in a tense situation reveals to the audience that Proctor though flawed is deep down a good man. His actions are not that of a popular character and with every action he takes he seems to lose liking of the audience. The redemption of Proctor's character has begun. In the end John Proctor is accused and convicted, this in turn will reveal his true character. Elizabeth suggests to him that he stop this madness while uncertain and testify against Abigail, but Proctor takes this as an attack against him asking Elizabeth '. John Proctor's character currently seems to be undergoing a real test of strength. Other than committing adultery John Proctor has other questionable flaws in character. The audience though sits in the belief of tragic righteousness knowing that the sacrifices have been made, as those who came together and stood for the truth have stopped the madness. For Proctor this was his stalwart pride. He realises that he must help the community and that he also must put aside his pride for the good of others to stop Abigail.
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Acceptance Essays
