Examples Of John Proctor A Tragic Hero In The Crucible

John Proctor, was a farmer from Massachusetts who was well respected in his community. He had all the things a yeoman in the late 17th century could ask for: honor, land and family. Most would assume that someone with his kind of status would be last person to be accused as being a witch. Yet he was later convicted for being a witch. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Proctor was convicted and hanged for being a witch. A tragic hero is considered to be one who suffers a downfall due to the character's major flaw nevertheless is still considered a hero. Throughout The Crucible, John Proctor had a major flaw—his lust for Abigail Williams. Some claim that he was a sinner and not a hero or a leader, however, despite facing death as a punishment …show more content…
At the same time he was also trying stray away from his affair with Abigail. Through the voice and tone of John Proctor’s dialogue it was evident that he is trying to redeem himself from what he had done. During Act II of The Crucible, when Elizabeth Proctor was being taken away after being accused, Proctor abruptly stated “I will fall like an ocean on that court! Fear nothing, Elizabeth”. John Proctor stated that in such confidence that it seems as if he would be willing to take away his own life to save Elizabeth. This amplifies Proctor’s desire to move on from his affair and focus more on maintaining his good name through the means of providing liberty for some. Closer to the end of Act III, Proctor admits to Danforth “ I have known her, sir. I have known [Abigail]”. Proctor’s unexpected words came at the judges as a huge surprise, The book shows that his willingness to save someone else’s life for the cost getting himself arrested makes him excellent example of heroic character. Proctor’s ability to take such a risk in order to redeem himself was one that is only seen in a leader, but also emphasizes why John Proctor was a tragic