"The crucible" by Arthur Miller. Act 4 analysis. "What is your final impression of Proctor?"
At the end of Act four in Arthur Miller's allegorical tale, 'The crucible', the play reaches its final and conclusive climax. John Proctor is forced by his conscience, his reason and the authority to reach a decision. On this decision balances his life, his reputation and his soul. The audience and Proctor's own conscience will either brand him a coward or a hero depending on this single choice. Ultimately, he chooses the path of the hero. However, John Proctor is a tragic hero, who until that point in the play has carried with him a horrid sin, which coupled with his morality led to his downfall. The final impression of Proctor is an inherently conflicting image. On one hand he is seen as a hero, because he sacrificed his life selflessly, and on the other hand, a sinner, because he committed a moral crime.
One reason why Proctor may be considered a hero is because he shows the common and accepted characteristics of a hero. These characteristics include tenacity in the face of danger and fear, which is shown in act four by the way Herrick describes him in a jail cell, "He sits like some great bird, you'd not know he lived except he will take food from time to time". This instance in the play illustrates the passive, stubborn courage that Proctor's character encompasses. Another is honesty, which is apparent in the conversation between Proctor and his wife in Act two, "I wilted and like a Christian, I confessed". Proctor's morality and righteousness are also evident in the play's entirety; for example, his abstinence from further lust for Abigail in the beginning of the play, "No, no Abby that's done with," and his restrain from confession in order to save the reputation of his friends. Proctor's traits are also embellished with his independence, intelligence and quick wits all of which are demonstrated in his interaction with other characters. His independence and honesty is evident when Proctor claims, "I may speak my heart, I think." Proctor's charisma, quick
One reason why Proctor may be considered a hero is because he shows the common and accepted characteristics of a hero. These characteristics include tenacity in the face of danger and fear, which is shown in act four by the way Herrick describes him in a jail cell, "He sits like some great bird, you'd not know he lived except he will take food from time to time". This instance in the play illustrates the passive, stubborn courage that Proctor's character encompasses. Another is honesty, which is apparent in the conversation between Proctor and his wife in Act two, "I wilted and like a Christian, I confessed". Proctor's morality and righteousness are also evident in the play's entirety; for example, his abstinence from further lust for Abigail in the beginning of the play, "No, no Abby that's done with," and his restrain from confession in order to save the reputation of his friends. Proctor's traits are also embellished with his independence, intelligence and quick wits all of which are demonstrated in his interaction with other characters. His independence and honesty is evident when Proctor claims, "I may speak my heart, I think." Proctor's charisma, quick