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John Proctor Flaws

697 Words3 Pages

Angela Cunningham
Professor Laura Driver
ENG-249-26245
21 February 2023 John Proctor as a Tragic Hero
In the 17th century, Salem, Massachusetts suffered from witchcraft accusations, in which many people fell victim to. The Crucible by Arthur Miller reflects these numerous incidents with the story of John Proctor. He is an honest man who proves to be a flawed person. Proctor’s complicated relationships and struggle with peace of mind are an underlying force that fuels his decisions. His need for lust, loyalty, and reputation stirs up trouble when witchcraft accusations arise. However, Proctor’s flaws and character development lead him to a tragic, yet heroic ending. Instead of enduring a shameful life, he would rather be sentenced to death. …show more content…

Instead of exploring these qualities with his wife, he seeks an informal commitment to Abigail. In Act One, Proctor decides to discontinue his lecherous tendencies when he says, “Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby” (Miller 32). John Proctor makes his intentions clear with Abigail. In the 1600s, having an affair is uncommon. His marriage proves that although love is enduring, it takes diligence. On the contrary, lust is sheer and unsustainable. Proctor believes that he must conceal his relationship with Abby to plead his wife’s innocence. In turn, he abandons his connection with Abigail in hopes that the consequences of his affair are not …show more content…

He says, “… in Miller’s plays there usually comes a moment when the central character cries out his own name, determined to invest it with meaning and integrity” (Bigsby 12). John Proctor puts his needs behind in court. He can unwind when he confesses to his dishonest behavior. In death, he sees redemption. The shame he feels from damaging his own pride and reputation is not sizeable in comparison to the feeling of freedom. Admitting to his actions is a way for Proctor to be rescued from the consequences of his sins. So, Proctor dies for a greater

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