John Proctor, the main character in the play The Crucible, is on a quest to conquer his immorality. In a town run by theology and the idea of sameness, John has a difficult time conforming to such standards. In the play, John faces numerous problems that test his moral goodness. Along with Proctor, other characters such as Elizabeth Proctor, and Giles Corey must overcome personal tests. The word “crucible” means a severe test or trial. Throughout the play many characters are put to the test to find if they are moral or wicked.
John Proctor, the protagonist, has major issues that he must defeat. It seems as if he has everything a Puritan man could desire, a pleasant farm, three sons, and a lovely wife. Proctor is a respected man who …show more content…
After unknowingly accusing his wife of witchcraft, by saying she reads strange books, Giles feels terrible. He knows his wife is innocent and realizes that it is his fault that his wife is now in jail waiting for death. Giles attempts to defend his wife by taking proof to the court, offering evidence of Putnam falsely accusing a man as a witch in order to get his land. The judge proceeds in asking Corey to give the name of the man who heard Putnam’s conversation as evidence. Giles refuses to give the name to protect him, while he himself would have to hang, an act of honor and courage, “I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute.” (p. 97) Giles Corey becomes a true hero when he dies for remaining silent. Instead of giving the court a name, exactly what they want from him, Giles mutters only “more weight” as stacks of rocks stand on his chest, crushing him to death. By escaping hanging, Corey’s land would still be in the family, his family’s honor would remain intact, and he would be a hero of the Salem Witch trials, as the only man who was not hanged as a witch but instead endured terrible pain so that others might not have to. Giles Corey shows courage and respect for his wife, his friends, and his family. By doing so, he ensures that his sons can inherit his land. Even throughout torture, with heavy stones on his chest, Giles`
John Proctor, the protagonist, has major issues that he must defeat. It seems as if he has everything a Puritan man could desire, a pleasant farm, three sons, and a lovely wife. Proctor is a respected man who …show more content…
After unknowingly accusing his wife of witchcraft, by saying she reads strange books, Giles feels terrible. He knows his wife is innocent and realizes that it is his fault that his wife is now in jail waiting for death. Giles attempts to defend his wife by taking proof to the court, offering evidence of Putnam falsely accusing a man as a witch in order to get his land. The judge proceeds in asking Corey to give the name of the man who heard Putnam’s conversation as evidence. Giles refuses to give the name to protect him, while he himself would have to hang, an act of honor and courage, “I will not give you no name. I mentioned my wife’s name once and I’ll burn in hell long enough for that. I stand mute.” (p. 97) Giles Corey becomes a true hero when he dies for remaining silent. Instead of giving the court a name, exactly what they want from him, Giles mutters only “more weight” as stacks of rocks stand on his chest, crushing him to death. By escaping hanging, Corey’s land would still be in the family, his family’s honor would remain intact, and he would be a hero of the Salem Witch trials, as the only man who was not hanged as a witch but instead endured terrible pain so that others might not have to. Giles Corey shows courage and respect for his wife, his friends, and his family. By doing so, he ensures that his sons can inherit his land. Even throughout torture, with heavy stones on his chest, Giles`