John Proctor Tragic Hero

John Proctor: A Modern Tragic Hero A man cannot become a hero until he comprehends the reason for his own demise, a rule which provides the framework for all tragedies. The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is a play set during the historic witch trials in Salem, Massachusetts, and can be considered a masterful, modern tragedy. The art behind Miller’s writing is in his unique approach to a classic art form and his focus on the character’s potential to evaluate himself and his ability in order to determine his fate. In The Crucible the tragic format is brought to life, but with a common man, John Proctor, in center stage.

Traditionally, in order to qualify as a tragic hero certain criteria must be met, including originating from a position of nobility,

This occurs when he admits to adultery in front of the court, in order to prove that Abigail is a lying wench. Towards the end of Act III, Proctor exclaims, “I have made bell of my honor! I have rung doom of my good name...” in a final attempt to reveal Abigail as a “rising whore” (Miller, The Crucible, 111). He finally decides to open himself in an act of selflessness, and it mirrors what is to come later right before he hangs. Later in Act IV, Hale is desperately trying to convince Proctor to save his life, even if it is based upon a lie. At first Proctor agrees and acknowledges that, “[i]t (the confession) is evil, and I do it!” (Miller, The Crucible, 77). However, after he agrees to do so for himself, he will not accuse others of witchcraft because, “They think to go like saints. I like not to spoil their names” (Miller, The Crucible, 141). This situation is short lived after Danforth announces that he plans to reveal the entire town Proctors documented confession, in order to validate the trials. Proctor, being the man that he is, tears up the document and when given the choice between life and death he ultimately chooses death. He does so to protect his reputation and that of his

At the beginning of the play, Proctor is introduced as a respected, but feared man, who also is drowning in sin caused by him going again his own ideals of decent conduct. As the story unveils, the audience is exposed to his lechery and questions how is his excessive pride alters his character, however this all subsides when he confesses to the court and gives away his reputation in order to save Elizabeth. Not everyone may care for Proctor’s attitude, but he by no means portrays evil, rather he is a protagonist during the trials, especially since he cannot bear witness to the hypocrisy within Salem. His compassionate persona is defined by how others can relate to him. Proctor is a sinner; however, everybody makes mistakes and at points of weakness it is difficult to look past and forgive oneself for whatever occurred. Proctor’s final sacrifice causes the audience to pity him because they have grown to admire and respect his character. He is so charming and his ability to stand true to himself and defy the pressure to compress himself into strict Puritan societal standards is extremely admirable. He also instills a sense of hope, due to the fact that he is able to make amends with Elizabeth, have successfully defended the wives of his