John Proctor And Thomas Putnam: Alike?

John Proctor and Thomas Putnam: Alike?

Noah Headley

In Arthur Miller's renowned play, "The Crucible," two significant characters, John Proctor and Thomas Putnam, emerge with contrasting personalities and motivations that shape their actions and impact the events in the story. While both men reside in Salem and play crucial roles in the witch trials, their approaches and objectives diverge significantly. This essay will compare and contrast John Proctor and Thomas Putnam, shedding light on their similarities and differences, and provide evidence from the novel to support these assertions.

Although John Proctor and Thomas Putnam have distinct backgrounds and personalities, they share certain similarities. Firstly, both characters hold positions

Firstly, Proctor's main concern is truth and justice. He opposes the witch trials from the beginning, seeing them as a tool of manipulation and revenge. Proctor's integrity leads him to speak out against the accusations, and he becomes a voice of reason in the midst of the hysteria. In contrast, Putnam manipulates the trials to serve his personal interests. He uses the chaos and paranoia to accuse others and acquire their land, further expanding his influence. Putnam's actions reveal his greed and ambition, making him a central antagonist in the play. Secondly, Proctor and Putnam have differing attitudes towards religion and authority. Proctor is skeptical of the religious fervor driving the trials, recognizing the manipulative nature of the accusations. He sees the hypocrisy of the town's religious leaders and their willingness to condemn innocent people. Putnam, on the other hand, uses the trials to justify his actions and beliefs. He views himself as a righteous man, acting in the name of God to cleanse the community of supposed witches. Putnam's strong belief in religious authority blinds him to the potential for manipulation and corruption within the