The Crucible John Proctor Tragic Hero

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Tragic hero, definition given by greek philosopher, Aristotle, states that "The change in the hero's fortunes be not from misery to happiness, but on the contrary, from happiness to misery, and the cause of it must not lie in any depravity but in some great error on his part." He also explains that the tragic hero is “a person of noble status who has a mixture of good and bad in his personality, he has a fatal flaw. .” Proctor was a stand-up guy who spoke his mind. Around town, people used his name with honor and integrity. John Proctor respected himself. The reason why John Proctor could be called the “tragic hero” in The Crucible is the fact that he was of noble status who has a mixture of good and bad in his personality. His fatal flaw, …show more content…

John proctor is an honest man who regrets breaking his marriage vows. John knew with all his heart and mind that adultery is wrong. Elizabeth, John’s wife, had no way of finding out what had happened, but John Proctor still told her. This shows that John took responsibility for his actions and acknowledged that he had sinned against her and God. In Act 2, he had to season his wife, Elizabeth’s food behind her back. When she gave him his food he said that “It was well seasoned.” (pg. 50) He did this to make her feel better about herself, showing that he loved her. It is at the end of the play when Proctor is most honorable because although he was going to admit to witchcraft, he still refuses to accuse any other people in Salem. He says, in act 4, "I have three children-how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends?" (pg. 143) He also tears up the paper that he signed, admitting to witchcraft. He says, “I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” (pg. 143) John Proctor chose to be truthful and deny the untrue accusations made against him, sentencing himself to a hangman’s death. John Proctor is not a perfect man, but he has a good heart. His good part of his personality relates to his name the “Tragic Hero,” and also lead to his downfall at the end of the …show more content…

He and his wife’s servant, Abigail Williams, committed adultery inside his barn while his wife was ill. John Proctor had the power to stop or prevent what happened. He could have used his physical strength and size to stop Abigail, or he could have just walked away. Instead, he chose to hurt his wife and commit adultery even though he knew it was wrong. His wife was unable to forgive him and their marriage is unhappy. He resents Elizabeth because she cannot forgive him and trust him again, but he is guilty of the same thing. Elizabeth is accused of being a witch by Abigail. Abigail even tells Proctor what really happened on the night when the girls were discovered in the woods. Proctor doesn't share that information with anyone until it's too late. John Proctor has a mixture of good and bad in his personality and this leads to downfall, relating to the name “Tragic

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