Who Is John Proctor Sacrifice In The Crucible

“The power of the individual is as powerful as the universe is infinite.” This quote comes from Tom Hanks; it explains how an individual has infinite power. One of the main characters in The Crucible is John Proctor. John Proctor possessed an abundant power in Salem. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John Proctor used his power to stop the witchcraft hysteria; causing him to put himself in a paradox. The act of sacrificing can be undoubtedly difficult for someone to do. John Proctor sacrifices himself multiple times throughout The Crucible. One time he sacrifices himself is when he was confessing to witchcraft and he did not mention any names. Judge Danforth asks Proctor if he has seen anyone with the Devil; he replies with “I did not.” Proctor confesses to seeing the Devil with no one because he does not wish to drag his friends into this any more than they are. He believes if he confesses Salem will become upset with the court and revolt. Proctor’s confession did not work because he let his anger have the best of him. In addition, Proctor sacrifices himself by ripping his confession to seeing the Devil. Proctor cries “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and …show more content…
Proctor found himself in a paradox at the end of The Crucible that cost him his life. Judge Danforth said, “You will give me your honest confession in my hand, or I cannot keep you from the rope.” Proctor faced the choice of letting his confession be kept or rip it and be hung. If he hands over his confession, he can live and be with his family. However, if he rips the confession he will be hung; others won’t be hanged if he does this. He decides to rip his confession and be hung because he knows that he will save others from the same fate. He also wanted to keep his name and he could not do that if he did not rip his