Is John Proctor A Hero Or A Victim Essay

Anyone can be a hero or a victim, depending on the perspective through which one views the situation. The Crucible by Arthur Miller takes place in the Puritan town of Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. The outrageous influenza of witch accusations spreads rapidly through the Salem community. Revenge flows through the society as neighbors turn or neighbors and jealous girls turn on wives. One character, John Proctor, is reluctant to care about anyone besides himself at first, but after witnessing the absurdity of the witch accusations, he changes his attitude and upholds the truth. The question remains: is John Proctor a hero or a victim? By standing up for the truth he believes, the Puritan community of Salem unfairly convicts John Proctor as

It has been rumored that John Proctor, notorious for not attending church, does not believe in witchcraft. Reverend Hale, curious to find out about Mr. Proctor, personally arrives at the Proctor household. He asks John to recite the Puritan Commandments, and he cannot. Hale responds to that by saying, “Theology, sir, is a fortress; no crack in a fortress may be accounted small” (67). John responds, “There be no love for Satan in this house, Mister,” rebutting the implied suspicion of Reverend Hale (67). Later, John Proctor and his wife, Elizabeth, are summoned to the court. Mr. Proctor decides to tell the truth and confess his affair with Abigail; however, Abigail denies the affair and Elizabeth lies, thinking to save John’s name. Shortly thereafter, Abigail claims Mary Warren, the Proctor’s maid, has turned into a threatening bird. When John goes to Mary, she accuses him of being the “Devil’s man” (118). Judge Danforth reacts by asking, “Will you confess yourself befouled with Hell,

John Proctor now has a new purpose, larger than just saving his wife; he wants to see justice for the community in the end. After Danforth spares Elizabeth for an extra year, he asks John, “Will you drop this charge?” (92). Proctor responds, “I—I think I cannot” (92). Danforth notes, “Then your purpose is somewhat larger” (92). Shortly after this scene, John admits to his adultery with Abigail and he condemns the court for believing pretense and is taken to jail. Several days later, Elizabeth comes to see John in the jail. He exclaims, “My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man” (136). Elizabeth responds, “And yet you’ve not confessed till now. That speak goodness in you” (136). John then goes to the court and reluctantly confesses, in order to save his life; however in the few moments that he stands in the court giving his confession, something changes. He refuses to sign his confession. Reverend Hale warns, “Man you will hang! You cannot!” (144). Proctor, now living for justice, exclaims, “I can. And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs” (144). Proctor upholds his integrity and accepts execution. He dies with honesty, signifying a true