What characteristics must one possess in order to be regarded as a tragic hero? Arthur Miller describes what he considers to be a tragic hero in his essay “Tragedy and the Common Man.” In this essay, he identifies the criteria and attributes that are suitable for a modern day tragic hero. Moreover, many can agree that John Proctor, the main protagonist of The Crucible, exemplifies Miller’s theory of a modern day tragic hero in numerous ways. By Arthur Miller’s definition, John Proctor is a tragic hero. Furthermore, John Proctor displays traits of a tragic hero due to his lack of complexity, he is a reasonably bunt and honest man. Additionally, John is an average man and has a powerful inclination to help the people that he cares for, even if it may ultimately bring him face-to-face with death. He is a
…show more content…
For instance, he personally does not approve of Reverend Parris, even though he is an ordained minister. “You hardly ever mention God anymore (The Crucible 22).” This reveals how John Proctor truly feels about Reverend Parris. John questions why Parris only speaks upon his own perspective, and talks about damnation and hell so often. Furthermore, John believes that Reverend Parris neglects to speak of God’s loving attributes. In saying this, John goes against what the typical citizens of Salem, Massachusetts might think of a man who has devoted his life to the church. “No tragedy can therefore come about when its author fears to question absolutely everything, when he regards any institution, habit or custom as being either everlasting, immutable or inevitable (“Tragedy and the Common Man 2”).” This quote represents the similar parallels that can be made between John Proctor and Author Miller. Like John, Author Miller can be considered a tragic hero due to his impulses to question everything and go against the grain of
For instance, he personally does not approve of Reverend Parris, even though he is an ordained minister. “You hardly ever mention God anymore (The Crucible 22).” This reveals how John Proctor truly feels about Reverend Parris. John questions why Parris only speaks upon his own perspective, and talks about damnation and hell so often. Furthermore, John believes that Reverend Parris neglects to speak of God’s loving attributes. In saying this, John goes against what the typical citizens of Salem, Massachusetts might think of a man who has devoted his life to the church. “No tragedy can therefore come about when its author fears to question absolutely everything, when he regards any institution, habit or custom as being either everlasting, immutable or inevitable (“Tragedy and the Common Man 2”).” This quote represents the similar parallels that can be made between John Proctor and Author Miller. Like John, Author Miller can be considered a tragic hero due to his impulses to question everything and go against the grain of