Essay Comparing The Crucible And John Proctor

When considering two works of highly influential literature, it is important to consider how the texts are similar or different. When it comes to classical literature, there are often more similarities than one might think. This is evidenced by the abundant similarities in Hawthorne’s The Scarlet Letter and Miller’s The Crucible. Despite these many similarities, there are still many differences. The two works of The Scarlet Letter and The Crucible are both highly similar; however, they also bear many differences. One common theme of The Crucible and The Scarlet Letter is the idea of adultery. In both texts, an adulterous character plays a major role in the story’s plot. In The Crucible, John Proctor’s affair with Abigail Williams is where

In The Crucible, it is clear that John Proctor did not feel love for Abigail. Proctor states, after Abigail insists he speak to her out of love, “Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I’ll reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby.” With such a weighty statement, Proctor confirms that his affair with Abigail was merely due to his own lust and weakness. However, in The Scarlet Letter, Hester finds herself in love with the object of her affair. Rather than simply using Dimmesdale for physical romance, Hester also develops a strong love for him, “‘Thou shalt forgive me!’ cried Hester, flinging herself on the fallen leaves beside him. ‘Let God punish! Thou shalt forgive!’” (The Scarlet Letter, 175) Clearly, Hester seeks Dimmesdale’s approval desperately, as one does only for those they truly care for. Hester feels a true love, unlike Abigail’s lust, which causes her view to be distorted. Judith Orloff puts it best, saying, “…lust is fueled by idealization and projection--you see what you hope someone will be or need them to be--rather than seeing the real person, flaws and