The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, is a play in which one character, John Proctor, becomes increasingly isolated. The play is set during the witch trials of Salem, 1692, and Proctor’s wife is accused of being a witch by a group of girls led by Abigail Williams – with whom Proctor had an affair – causing him to undertake a quest to save his wife’s life, yet in doing so sacrifices his own. The characterisation of Proctor, and the key scenes in which his isolation is apparent, develop the audience’s attitude towards him from one of misgiving to admiration and recognition as a tragic hero.
Firstly, the audience perceive John Proctor as an outsider in the community, because of his lack of respect for authority and his individualistic beliefs. Proctor does not conform to the strict moral and religious codes of the community, as he ploughs his fields on a Sunday, does not have all his children baptised and rarely attends church. This is because he resents the Reverend Parris’s oppressive style of religion, complaining he ‘preach nothing but hellfire and damnation’ and rarely mentions God. Similarly, Proctor recognises that the landowner Putnam has a strong influence over Parris and that he will command more power and …show more content…
Do that which is good and no harm will come to thee.’ Whilst at first the audience may distrust Proctor’s alienation within the community, they also may admire him for his principles and freedom of thought which refuses to submit to a corrupt authority and its petty rivalries. In addition, the audience see Proctor as being fundamental to that which is good in the community as in Act II, for example, Proctor explains to Hale that he ‘hung the door and nailed the roof on the
Firstly, the audience perceive John Proctor as an outsider in the community, because of his lack of respect for authority and his individualistic beliefs. Proctor does not conform to the strict moral and religious codes of the community, as he ploughs his fields on a Sunday, does not have all his children baptised and rarely attends church. This is because he resents the Reverend Parris’s oppressive style of religion, complaining he ‘preach nothing but hellfire and damnation’ and rarely mentions God. Similarly, Proctor recognises that the landowner Putnam has a strong influence over Parris and that he will command more power and …show more content…
Do that which is good and no harm will come to thee.’ Whilst at first the audience may distrust Proctor’s alienation within the community, they also may admire him for his principles and freedom of thought which refuses to submit to a corrupt authority and its petty rivalries. In addition, the audience see Proctor as being fundamental to that which is good in the community as in Act II, for example, Proctor explains to Hale that he ‘hung the door and nailed the roof on the