In today’s modern era, readers continue to be captivated by tragedies, none more captivating though than The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller. In this tragic play, readers follow the story of the Salem witch trials in 1692. The play begins with a young girl in bed, unable to move. The town of Salem blames witchcraft, sparking a downward spiral of accusations towards the many women in town. Abigail Williams decides she must accuse Elizabeth Proctor in order to be with her husband, John Proctor, whom she had an affair with earlier in the year. The tragedy continues throughout the trials as confessions of the affair are made and new accusations towards John Proctor arise. As the plot unfolds, John Proctor faces a strenuous decision; should
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The part of these plays that shakes its readers “derives from the fear of being displaced. . it is the common man who knows this fear best” (Tragedy, 2). Throughout the play, Proctor’s fear of losing his place in society was consistently being challenged. The final act of this play is once again a focal point for this fear when Proctor angrily states, “I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church!” (Miller, 142). John Proctor’s fear shows through at the threat of his name being tainted in Salem. As Proctor is a man of high standing in the town, he fears his name and family will forever be torn from the traditional ‘Proctor’ image. As it is the common man, like Proctor, who knows this fear best, it can therefore be assumed that John Proctor represents a modern day tragic …show more content…
Arthur miller redefines tragic heroes through the character John Proctor and even defends himself in his essay, Tragedy and the Common Man. Between Miller’s play and essay, it is clear that Proctor interprets the new definition of a modern tragic hero. His constant fear of losing his place in the town and losing the last of his dignity truly helps portray Proctor as a tragic hero. One of the most effective ways though that makes Proctor a tragic hero is his willingness to confess his affair to the court. He put everything he had on the line to save his and his wife’s lives. Miller worked hard to make Proctor’s character have faults, thus making him relatable to the common man. Overall, John Proctor is very suitable for the role of a tragic hero and this can be proven through his words, actions, and Miller’s redefinition of modern tragic
The part of these plays that shakes its readers “derives from the fear of being displaced. . it is the common man who knows this fear best” (Tragedy, 2). Throughout the play, Proctor’s fear of losing his place in society was consistently being challenged. The final act of this play is once again a focal point for this fear when Proctor angrily states, “I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church!” (Miller, 142). John Proctor’s fear shows through at the threat of his name being tainted in Salem. As Proctor is a man of high standing in the town, he fears his name and family will forever be torn from the traditional ‘Proctor’ image. As it is the common man, like Proctor, who knows this fear best, it can therefore be assumed that John Proctor represents a modern day tragic …show more content…
Arthur miller redefines tragic heroes through the character John Proctor and even defends himself in his essay, Tragedy and the Common Man. Between Miller’s play and essay, it is clear that Proctor interprets the new definition of a modern tragic hero. His constant fear of losing his place in the town and losing the last of his dignity truly helps portray Proctor as a tragic hero. One of the most effective ways though that makes Proctor a tragic hero is his willingness to confess his affair to the court. He put everything he had on the line to save his and his wife’s lives. Miller worked hard to make Proctor’s character have faults, thus making him relatable to the common man. Overall, John Proctor is very suitable for the role of a tragic hero and this can be proven through his words, actions, and Miller’s redefinition of modern tragic