John Proctor A Tragic Hero Analysis

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JOHN PROCTOR: TRAGIC HERO Arthur Miller’s The Crucible is a greatly revered work, and it reflected the times of America in the days of McCarthyism. Perhaps the character that connected to the audience most was John Proctor, the protagonist of the play. He reflects the mistakes that we have made in our lives, and the struggle that some of have while trying to take the blindfold off of other people. He should be considered a hero because he feels guilt, and therefore tries to make up for the fact that he once had an affair. He also goes on and tries to explain to an unforgiving crowd that the witch hunts are a fake, and that it is all led by a lovesick girl. In The Crucible, John Proctor, the protagonist of the play, is put under intense guilt …show more content…

Tragic heroes must have a flaw or error of judgment, also known as a hamartia, A reversal of fortune brought about because of the hero's error in judgment. the discovery or recognition that the reversal was brought about by the hero's own actions, and Excessive Pride, which is also known as hubris. Finally, the character's fate must be greater than deserved. Proctor’s hamartia is when he decides to have an affair with Abigail Williams. His affair is the event that leads him to his demise, which happens when his wife denies the affair, and ultimately gives the impression that Proctor is a liar. The reversal of fortune happens when Elizabeth Proctor is arrested under suspicion of witchcraft. Everything that was once in Proctor’s favor, such as having an honest wife, is suddenly turned against him. Next, Proctor’s own hubris turns on him. His fear of losing his reputation led him to destroying his confession documents, which condemned him to his death. Finally, Proctor did not deserve to die. He felt guilt and remorse, a sure sign that he was an honest man, and honest men do not deserve to die. In conclusion, Arthur Miller’s John Proctor is a hero. Proctor trying to explain to that the witch hunts are led by a lovesick girl to an unforgiving crowd exuberates his characteristics as a hero. Not only does he do that, but he also has feelings that every tragic hero has, such as guilt, and the want to fix his