Patten 1

Zelik Patten

Ms. Cheryl Hunt

English Composition II

7 March 2024

The Tragic Character of John Proctor in "The Crucible"

Arthur Miller's play The Crucible is a timeless look into the consequences of hysteria,

fear, and personal integrity based on the backdrop of the Salem witch trials. Miller's purpose in

writing The Crucible was to reflect on the dangers of mass hysteria and the importance of

standing up for one's morals in the face of injustice. The plot is mostly centered around the

accusations of witchcraft that go through the small Puritan community of Salem, Massachusetts,

which ends up leading to the wrongful executions of innocent people. At the center of this unrest

is John Proctor, a flawed yet very tragic character whose journey serves as a moving

commentary on morality and redemption. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller portrays John Proctor

as a tragic figure who, despite his flaws, ends up choosing to stand against the hysteria of the

Salem witch trials, fights with his own moral mistakes, and finds redemption through his

sacrifice, highlighting the timeless themes of integrity and personal responsibility.

John Proctor's moral bravery and honesty are demonstrated by his early opposition to the

witch trials. Proctor declares, "I say—I say—God is dead!" in response to the charges, refusing

to join in on the frenzy (Miller, 72). This bold claim props up Proctor as a voice of reason in the

society and demonstrates his contempt of the dishonest authority figures leading the witch hunts.

Proctor's willingness to speak up to his own siins, including his affair with Abigail Williams,

also confirms his devotion to honesty and morality and enhances his standing as a tragic hero.

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Furthermore, when he declares, "I sold my friends, and I have three children—how may I teach

them to walk like men in the world?" Proctor discloses his struggle to balance providing for his

family and maintaining his honor (Miller 137).

Proctor's internal conflict, however, shows the intricate nature of morality in humans.

Proctor finds himself caught between his unwillingness to confess to a crime he did not commit

and his need to protect his family, despite his initial refusal. Proctor admits, struggling with his

guilt, "I am not a saint who can mount the gibbet. It's a sham. That man is not me” (Miller 137).

Proctor's internal battle is highlighted by this moment of weakness as he struggles with both his

own shortcomings and the pressures of society's expectations. In addition, Proctor's unhappy

exclamation, "Because that is my name! since I am unable to have anyone else in my life"

(Miller 143), this captures his fight to maintain his personality and integrity.

In the end, Proctor's choice to give his life in place of violating his morals represents his

redemption. "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" Proctor exclaims, tearing up his

false confession in a final gesture of defiance (Miller, 143). Proctor restores his reputation and

affirms his status as a good person by selecting death over shame. His death casts doubt on the

accuracy of the Salem witch trials and is a strong rebuke of the wrongdoings committed by the

town authorities. Proctor's path towards self-forgiveness and redemption is further reflected in

his final remarks, "You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of

goodness in John Proctor" (Miller 145).

In conclusion, Arthur Miller's portrayal of John Proctor in The Crucible as a tragic figure

serves as a timeless reminder of the importance of integrity and moral courage in the face of

adversity. Through Proctor's journey, Miller explores the difficulties of human morality and the

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consequences of falling to societal pressure. Ultimately, Proctor's redemption through sacrifice

highlights the enduring themes of personal responsibility and the pursuit of truth.

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Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Books, 1976.