The Crucible: John Proctor As A Tragic Hero

The Crucible Essay: Throughout history, there have been hundreds of stories based on the tragedies of heroes. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, it is no different. John Proctor qualifies as a tragic hero because he holds a position of great respect with the people of Salem, and he has a fatal flaw, pride, which results in his downfall. John Proctor may not come from a place of wealth or royalty, but he does have the respect of the townsfolk, Throughout the play, John Proctor’s influence on the town is frequently pointed out by people in power. Even when the author introduces this character, it is said, “Proctor, respected, and even feared in Salem…”(Miller). It is made evidently clear that this character is of great importance. And later on in the play, Parris after mentioning Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor, says, “Excellency, but these people have great weight yet in the town”(Miller). He says this in reference to their hanging that is to take place that morning, and …show more content…
This flaw can be best described as pride. In the introduction of his character, it is said that he, “has come to regard himself as a kind of fraud. But no hint of this has yet to appear on the surface”(Miller). This shows that even John, as well respected as he is, has many flaws. But he refuses to let anyone see them so as not to lose that respect, and tarnish his name in the town. This is seen once more in Act 4 of the play, where John has the opportunity to save his life by lying and confessing his sins of conspiring with the devil. But when asked to sign his confession for all of Salem to see, he is immediately discouraged and refuses to let Danforth have his signed confession, “Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church!”(Miller). John Proctor doesn’t want to be seen as one who gave up when so many of his friends have died, and would rather be hanged than for that to go