Overall in the play/story "The Crucible" John Proctor is my favorite character. He displays great qualities of a man. Therefore I see him as a hero.
In the beginning the first thing we saw about John in his affair with Abigail. Then we think "That's horrible! He cheated on his wife with a teenager." But he also feels bad about the decision. Overall he regrets it and tries to make up for it throughout the story. He wants his marriage to return to the old days. Then he is also displayed as this non-churchgoer. We start to wonder why isn't he conforming to do the right thing. Later we find out church is not even a positive rejoicing place anymore. It is just full of negativity. We cannot judge John, everyone makes mistakes.
Now let us look at all the great things John tries to accomplish. When his wife is arrested he goes to fight for her. But no he does not just stop there, he is trying to free everyone wrongly convicted. Even when the court gave the deal to save his wife John still fought for those still in jail. He was seen as trying to "overthrow the court" and still pushed through to get the truth out.
At the end in act four John seemed to be locked up so long almost to the point of his hanging. They were urging for him to confess so he would not die. Even though John know he was not a witch after all the pushing he did confess. Also they tried for him to accuse others and John did not. He stayed true to his word. The last straw was pulled when they tried to get him to sign to his confession. This was my favorite part that touched me. He asked to at least have his name. To show that was the last thing he owned. For him they could strip away all that he has, but his valuable item is his name: John Proctor. That was a truly heroic move for him to ultimately sacrifice his life for. In the end he dies for his 11 letter name something I do not believe is a common way to lose your life over. Even though his ultimate goal to free the people was not accomplished John tired. And that was heroic.
I agree completely with what you said, I wrote the same, but I also have to acknowledge how he also could be considered a stooge. (also what I'm about to say is not my idea, I got it from Noemi's blog, but she makes a very good point). By letting himself die, Proctor left his wife and kids to fend for themselves. Sure, his wife was supposed to die after she had her kid, but if all the witch madness ends before that, he might've gotten lucky. even if she didn't, had Proctor stayed, he possibly could have persuaded the judges to let her live. Basically Proctor just left his family in a bad situation, especially his kids. Ultimately, I agree with you more, but it's also worth thinking about Proctor in this way.
ReplyDeleteI agree that John is a hero and the reasons you gave for that. I think that even though Johns initial goal was not accomplished, his death accomplished other things
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