John Proctor In The Crucible

The mark of a good tragedy is in its ability to capture an audience and in turn generate a deep emotional response. In the play The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, the audience is confronted with the Salem witch trails and the resulting hysteria and destruction surrounding the historical event. Written in comparison to the chaotic McCarthy era, the citizens of Salem, Massachusetts begin to point fingers and blame each other of witchcraft for their own gain and personal vendettas. Because it is a tragedy, many of the characters suffer from both internal and external conflict that eventually lead to suffering and sorrow. The plays protagonist, John Proctor, is a prime example of such a character. Throughout the play, the audience sees the sin of a seemingly righteous man and how that sin ultimately leads to both a renewal of his moral character as well as his utter demise. Through analyzing Proctor’s strengths and weaknesses, inner psychological turmoil, and ultimate redeeming qualities, the audience can better understand and sympathize with a deeply troubled man. From the early beginnings of Act I it is made clear that John Proctor is a man, “powerful of body, even tempered, …show more content…
Far from perfect, he is the epitome of a tragic hero and has come full circle by the closing of Act IV. Beginning as a broken man with an excess of pent up guilt he evolves, stands up against the misguided Salem witch trails, and learns repentance and forgiveness and ultimately inner peace. There is something admirable about a person who would rather die than live a life of lies. Regardless of his faults, he represents integrity and bravery in every sense. Deep down he is an complex character wholly concerned with following his own ethical obligations, through his failings and his redemption John Proctor is a character many can find themselves both identifying with as well as