The Crucible John Proctor Loss Of Innocence

In "The Crucible," by Arthur Miller, the population of a small town in Salem, Massachusetts is in peril after false accusations of witchcraft among its inhabitants send several to prison. When tried for their crimes, the suspects are forced to lie and "confess" their work with the devil for the sake of their lives, or meet grim executions. Among the arrested is a young man named John Proctor. Though Proctor is a man of good moral character, the tribulation of the witch trial tests his repute when he realizes that his profession of innocence would leave his pregnant wife, who has also been accused, to suffer alone, and later be killed. Under this tremendous pressure, Proctor's disposition falters, and his temperament falls as he admits to a wrong not

Up until the point of incarceration, Proctor's strong character is demonstrated as he denies the accusation even as the entire village is against him, going so far as to boldly state, "God damns all liars," (Miller 117) and that in believing the denunciation, the people are "pulling Heaven down and raising up a whore" (Miller 120). In the months following his imprisonment, John will still not confess, and is thus found guilty by the court and sentenced to be hanged. Not wanting to add another death to their town's toll, the court has pity on John. They implore his wife to "plead with him" (Miller 132) to confess as a last resort to save his life. When John's wife comes to him begging in a haggard state, 3 months pregnant, worn by the harshness of prison, and weeping for her bitter regrets as she realizes her husband's death is imminent, he can stand firm no longer. Proctor cannot bear to lose his life and leave his wife behind; so when asked by the judge if he will confess, he proclaims "I will have my life," (Miller 137) and presents his confession, falling from his morale of strength and