John Proctor Is a Flawed Man. How, in Spite of This, Does Arthur Miller Develop His Character so That We Admire Him More and More as the Play Progresses?
John Proctor is a flawed man. How, in spite of this, does Arthur Miller develop his character so that we admire him more and more as the play progresses?
John Proctor, throughout the play, undergoes a personal dilemma. He earns our respect during the play by making some moral choices. Towards the end of the play he follows the courage of his convictions but ironically has to play the ultimate price.
Miller introduces a complex character. John Proctor, in the directors notes, comes across as a well respected person to the puritan community of Salem Massachusetts. Although would he be if they knew he was harbouring a secret? He is a guilt ridden character who has defied the laws of 17th century Salem.
Proctor goes against the norms of the Puritan religion as he has a very critical view of his minister; Parris. He thinks that Parris is materialistic and chooses this over religion, “…there were pewter candle sticks upon the alter… but Parris came and for twenty weeks preach nothing but golden candlestick until he had them.” this shows Proctors rebellious nature and the fact that he doesn’t fear to question Parris. Also John Proctor doesn’t get on with Putnam. They argue over land “that tract is in my bounds.” His initial reaction to the rumour of witchcraft is that he thinks its all nonsense. This shows he’s strong minded and doesn’t thing twice about going against typical puritan values. He has a close knit friendship with Rebecca, Francis and Giles as he recognises that they are inherently good people. Proctor knows that that they are completely true to there religion and will stand by it whatever the cost. John Proctor feels that Paris and Putnam are stereotypical Puritans. There is therefore a contrast between the two and in this case Proctor makes the right decision as Rebecca, Giles and Francis all become martyrs.
Proctor is a flawed character as he has admitted adultery with Abigail Williams. Proctor is flirtatious with Abigail and enjoys teasing
John Proctor, throughout the play, undergoes a personal dilemma. He earns our respect during the play by making some moral choices. Towards the end of the play he follows the courage of his convictions but ironically has to play the ultimate price.
Miller introduces a complex character. John Proctor, in the directors notes, comes across as a well respected person to the puritan community of Salem Massachusetts. Although would he be if they knew he was harbouring a secret? He is a guilt ridden character who has defied the laws of 17th century Salem.
Proctor goes against the norms of the Puritan religion as he has a very critical view of his minister; Parris. He thinks that Parris is materialistic and chooses this over religion, “…there were pewter candle sticks upon the alter… but Parris came and for twenty weeks preach nothing but golden candlestick until he had them.” this shows Proctors rebellious nature and the fact that he doesn’t fear to question Parris. Also John Proctor doesn’t get on with Putnam. They argue over land “that tract is in my bounds.” His initial reaction to the rumour of witchcraft is that he thinks its all nonsense. This shows he’s strong minded and doesn’t thing twice about going against typical puritan values. He has a close knit friendship with Rebecca, Francis and Giles as he recognises that they are inherently good people. Proctor knows that that they are completely true to there religion and will stand by it whatever the cost. John Proctor feels that Paris and Putnam are stereotypical Puritans. There is therefore a contrast between the two and in this case Proctor makes the right decision as Rebecca, Giles and Francis all become martyrs.
Proctor is a flawed character as he has admitted adultery with Abigail Williams. Proctor is flirtatious with Abigail and enjoys teasing