In the late 1950’s, playwright Arthur Miller included character John Proctor in his drama, The Crucible, because he believed that the time period during Mccarthyism lacked true heroes. Although Proctor is not the typical hero that usually comes into mind according to the common definition, Miller portrays him as a tragic hero, one whose biggest flaw is his own honesty. Some may disagree that Proctor was indeed a true hero, due to the fact that he committed adultery. Although this is true, ironically, this wasn’t even the reason that we was executed. He was hanged because he told the truth, the truth that would restore his dignity but later cost him his life. According to the classical definition of a tragic hero, a “hero must have discovered
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His common man status makes his situation comparable to the troubles that modern people face daily. Miller echoes this when he says, “Tragic feeling is evoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life, if need be, to secure one thing - his sense of personal dignity (Source B).” The playwright goes on to explain that it is the common man who best understands fear. The issues that Proctor faces in The Crucible were relatable to viewers during the time of Mccarthyism. Proctor fears what will happen if he lies. Dying for what he believes in and knowing what he believes to be morally upright leaves the audience in awe. Again, his actions reflect Aristotle’s definition in that “the hero must have a weakness, usually it is pride.” Proctor says “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! . . . How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” Pride in his family’s name and his complete honesty serve as his tragic flaws.
John Proctor’s true heroism may be pondered by those who are looking for a kinglike Oedipus. John Proctor is not that. Yet, he was indeed, a tragic hero, faced with a difficult decision that determined his fate and helped serve as an example of a heroic common man, giving hope to all of those facing difficult situations during the mid
His common man status makes his situation comparable to the troubles that modern people face daily. Miller echoes this when he says, “Tragic feeling is evoked in us when we are in the presence of a character who is ready to lay down his life, if need be, to secure one thing - his sense of personal dignity (Source B).” The playwright goes on to explain that it is the common man who best understands fear. The issues that Proctor faces in The Crucible were relatable to viewers during the time of Mccarthyism. Proctor fears what will happen if he lies. Dying for what he believes in and knowing what he believes to be morally upright leaves the audience in awe. Again, his actions reflect Aristotle’s definition in that “the hero must have a weakness, usually it is pride.” Proctor says “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! . . . How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” Pride in his family’s name and his complete honesty serve as his tragic flaws.
John Proctor’s true heroism may be pondered by those who are looking for a kinglike Oedipus. John Proctor is not that. Yet, he was indeed, a tragic hero, faced with a difficult decision that determined his fate and helped serve as an example of a heroic common man, giving hope to all of those facing difficult situations during the mid