The Crucible and John Proctor

Macbeth Vs. John Proctor Macbeth and John Proctor are both main character from different books but both have similarities and differences. Macbeth is from William Shakespeare’s, Macbeth, and John Proctor is from Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible. The similarities between these two main characters are the impact witchcraft makes in their lives, their tragic flaw, and the respect each character has with his society. Witchcraft is a very powerful thing. Some people believe in it and some do not. When it comes to Macbeth and John Proctor, witchcraft plays a large role in both their lives. Macbeth first crosses path with witchcraft when he meets the three witches. The witches give their predictions to Macbeth which sets the whole play in motion. When the third witch predicts for Macbeth, “‘All hail, Macbeth! That shalt be King here after’” (Shakespeare 1.3.50), he starts to wonder if and when he will become king and wants to hear more predictions. John Proctor is also influenced by witchcraft. The Devil is believed to be amongst the people of Salem and anyone who believes in this Devil must be involved with witchcraft. Elizabeth Proctor, John’s wife, was accused of being involved with witchcraft activities by the court. The Proctor’s servant Mary Warren explains to Proctor and his wife, “‘I saved [Elizabeth’s] life today”’ (Miller 59). This statement makes Proctor upset. Even though Proctor and Macbeth have been influenced by witchcraft, each man has a different way with dealing with it. Macbeth is different from John. He likes the witchcraft and lets it affect his decisions. He is greedy after he realized the first prediction came true and wants to go back for more. Macbeth says to the witches, “‘I conjure you, by that which you profess –/ However you come to know it – answer me:”’ (Shakespeare 4.1.50-51). Macbeth is relying on the witches predictions in order to help him make other decisions in his life that could possibly help him. This is where John Proctor differs.