The play’s title, “The Crucible”, refers to a pot that melts substances at high temperatures. This is symbolic of what happened in the play. Salem was experiencing tension from hysteria. Everyone was being tried for witchcraft. Tragic heroes are noble, virtuous characters in dramatic tragedies who are destined for misery, defeat, or downfall. Each character has strengths and flaws. John Proctor is the protagonist. Arthur Miller portrays Proctor to be a man who is proud of his name and reputation in society. Proctor is well-known for his integrity, honesty, and upright conduct. “Proctor was respected and even fearful in Salem. He has now come to consider himself a fraud.” (Act 1). Proctor still had two fatal flaws. He was involved with Abigail Williams, his 16-year-old maid. These illegal acts would lead to many unforeseen consequences that would change the lives of Salem residents.
John Proctor, the main character of this play, was an inactive, non-status-holding member in his society. However, he was respected by Salem. Proctor was a middle-aged farmer with a wicked and biting attitude towards hypocrites. Proctor was strong and able to handle pressure. Proctor was actually the kind man who could not refuse support to partisans Act 1). He was often criticized for his calumny. Proctor, despite his positive qualities and calm demeanour, was troubled by his thoughts. Act 1: Proctor was a sinner. He committed sin against not only the moral trends of his time but also against his own view of good conduct. Proctor continues making irreversible and serious mistakes that threaten his reputation. The Puritan religion was strict and had strict laws. They also had no ritual for purifying sins. If someone committed a crime, they were punished severely. Proctor initially tried to cover up his crime because he was afraid of being exiled and hung in a society that values reputation. Proctor’s affair to Abigail Williams causes a series of events that lead to more serious allegations. Proctor initially tried to hide his crime because he was afraid of being exiled or hung in a society where a person’s reputation plays a major role in their daily lives. Proctor didn’t confess initially because he was afraid that he would ruin his reputation and family’s reputation. Act 2 is when Elizabeth encourages Proctor, despite his fear of ruining his family’s reputation, to confess the lies to Abigail. Proctor tells Elizabeth that Abigail is now a saint, but Proctor rejects it. He felt guilt all through the play. His wife Elizabeth was arrested for witchcraft and Proctor finally opened up to the court. His past actions were too late. Proctor was charged with witchcraft and sentenced. Proctor was also accused of witchcraft and sentenced to death. Injustice and corruption at Salem were key factors in the panic that spread throughout the town. Salem has a witchcraft law that if convicted, a person must confess to witchcraft to the court. Otherwise, they will be hanged. Many innocent persons falsely accused for witchcraft did not admit to having participated in the sin. They were therefore hanged. The court could have stopped the spread hysteria if it had recognized that the girls were playing with law. Proctor would have not been indicted and sentenced. John Proctor survived and saved his family. Proctor was asked to confess to seeing Satan and sign a piece on paper. Proctor refused, however, and was sentenced to death. Proctor felt that he wouldn’t do justice for the friends he had killed trying to save reputation. Proctor’s portrayal of Arthur Miller is intended to convey the larger message of Arthur Miller, which includes the role of the individual in society and the value of one’s own name as well as the judgement of truthfulness and justice. Miller had taken inspiration for ‘The Crucible’ from Marion Starkey’s book ‘The Devil and Massachusetts’. He saw similarities in the problems facing those accused of witchcraft in Salem and those who had been charged with communism during McCarthyism. American authorities had names and addresses of people who were accused of being present at communist meetings. These people were then brought up for trial in order to uncover the truth. Similar to this, Salem’s court also had a list with names of witchcraft suspects. Both cases saw corruption of authority and innocent people were executed. Miller also stressed that Proctor’s character showed that Proctor is an individual who plays an essential role in society. Proctor was the one to whom Miller refers. Proctor was very worried about his reputation, particularly when it was at risk. He is therefore careful not to lie but takes the chance of his own life knowing he has done what is right. Proctor replies, “because my name is it!” Because I can not have another person in this life! Because I lie. Act 4. Reverend Hale requests Elizabeth to confess to her husband. Elizabeth replies that he has his goodness right now, God forbid that he take it away. Proctor was the leader of a new generation righteous officials. The idea of justice and reputation was the central theme of “The Crucible”. John Proctor was the best example of these ideas. Proctor, as with all characters, has strengths and also weaknesses. Proctor was well-known for his integrity, honesty, and good standing in Salem. His fatal flaws were what ultimately brought him down. Proctor lost his life to Abigail Williams’ lust and his pride about his name, reputation, and family. Despite all this, Proctor managed to retain his dignity as well as respect for society. This shows that honesty is the key to being a great person and achieving inner peace.
