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The Crucible John Proctor Appearance Vs Reality

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The Crucible Essay

In the novel The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, the main character John Proctor struggles with Appearance vs. Reality throughout the novel.

John Proctor, husband of Elizabeth Proctor, wants to be seen as an innocent family man. His wants are despite the fact he had an affair with Abigail Williams prior to the novel starting. Williams constantly taunts Proctor, trying to reveal his true self:

Abigail [with a bitter anger]: Oh, I marvel how such a strong man may let such a

sickly wife be-

Proctor [angered-at himself as well]: You’ll speak nothin’ of Elizabeth! (Act One)

Proctor is so obsessed with his appearance, he lies to everyone including himself. He wants, needs, to show everyone in the community he …show more content…

She is telling lies

about me! She is a cold, sniveling woman, and you bend to her! Let her turn you like a-

Proctor [shaking her]: Do you look for whippin’? (Act One)

Williams’ taunting Proctor of his wife makes him angry. He becomes violent towards her- which he does not want his appearance to be. The townspeople thought of Proctor as a role model, which he intends on keeping. Proctor turns to Reverend Parris to vent that he is not who Williams is making him out to be.

Proctor: Can you speak one minute without we land in Hell again? I am sick of

Hell!

Parris: It is not for you to say what is good for you to …show more content…

He no longer has to worry about Williams taunting him, but now his name, the one thing he treasures most, is ruined. Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth, finds out the truth, and confronts him about it.

Proctor [with solemn warning]: You will not judge me more, Elizabeth. I have

good reason [...] judge your husband any more. I have forgot Abigail, and-

Elizabeth: And I.

[...]

Proctor: No more! I should have roared you down when first you told me your

suspicion. But I wilted, and, like a Christian, I confessed. Confessed! (Act Two)
Proctor tries defending himself because “he confessed,” however Elizabeth realizes this does not make up for the fact he committed adultery. After Proctor’s confession, he still wants his name to be protected, however it clearly is not. The community realizes he is no longer the man he once was, for he has committed adultery. In the final scene of the novel, John Proctor says, “I have given you my soul, leave me my name!”(Act Four) “His name” as he refers is the appearance he has wanted all throughout the novel. After everything he has done, he wishes to keep “his name.” When, in reality, Proctor’s name is

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