Arthur Miller Evokes a Hero in John Proctor of the Crucible
Arthur Miller Evokes a Hero in John Proctor of the Crucible
The story of The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, shows a very good test of morality. John Proctor is internally conflicted throughout the entire play. His struggles change in each act. But, he is not a character deserving of pity because all of his struggles are self-inflicted. His affair with Abigail is at the root of most of them, the others are a result of stubborn pride. John Proctor’s Attitude changes by the end of the story and he seems kind of like a different person from the beginning.
In act 1, John’s main conflict is dealing with his lust for Abigail. He does still lust
for her even though they ended the affair, but though she persists, he does not give in. She
catches him alone and tries to tempt him but he remains strong. This was very hard for him, because it is so tempting and easy to submit. But he is against hypocrites, and at first finds it hard to criticize the morality of others, making him feel insincere.
Then in act 2, John is trying to deal with the consequences of his disloyalty. Elizabeth won’t trust him and he is really bothered by this. He is doing everything he can to prove his honesty, and show her that he is trying to please her. John Proctor says “I mean to please you Elizabeth” (50). He is also dealing with a lot of regret. He didn’t want things to turn out like that between him and Elizabeth and now he feels like an insufficient husband. When he is angered so easily, both his frustration and self pity shows. He realizes that he’s hurt her but doesn’t feel that he’s done something unforgivable.
In act 3, John’s frustration is really starting to tire him out. He doesn’t understand why Abby is pursuing him so, and feels responsible for Elizabeth’s imprisonment. It is also very frustrating for him to feel powerless, and to not be trusted. He can usually remain calm, but when anger gets the best of him, he calls Abigail a whore. He was struggling with that truth, and barely admitted it to himself when he yelled it out in court.
John’s main conflict in Act 4 was definitely pride. He refused to admit to witchcraft, even though denial would mean hanging. John says " My honesty is broke,...