Corruption Of John Proctor In The Crucible

Lifeless, dangling among the gallows. All is still and somber as those who gathered near examine the display. This reaction towards criminals of such calibre, convicted of witchcraft, is unexpected. Instead of celebrating the lifting of these evil spirits, the people stare at the swaying corpses of three people they all knew well. Rebecca Nurse, a highly religious pillar within the community possessed a peace that would calm children when she drew near. Martha, a regular church attendant who did not believe in witchcraft, making her an easy target to be accused. John Proctor, lastly, was seen as a man with a “weighty name” among the villagers (4.659). He appeared to embody integrity until his death. Proctor’s final actions unearthed the corruption of the court, making

Hale interprets Proctor’s motives as though he is throwing his life away. Hale believes that Proctor is trying stubbornly to maintain his integrity and escape the evils around him. What Hale does not see is the countless lives that John would save in defying the corrupt court. John sees Abigail, Betty, Tituba, Mr. and Mrs. Putnam, Ruth, Mary, and others accusing those around them to save themselves. This ultimately leads to more hangings. Proctor realizes the corruption in having one's name “nailed upon the church” (4.696). He also knows that unless someone pure in the people’s eyes brought themselves to death, revival would never reach Salem. Even Parris stated that “many honest people will weep for [John], and our good purpose is lost in their tears” if they let Proctor die (4.208-10). Hale could not see that John had a purpose bigger than himself to evoke change during this dark time. Proctor sacrificed himself not to preserve his name or dodge the evils around him. He died to promote the wellbeing of the