The Crucible Character Analysis (John Proctor)
The Crucible Character Analysis (John Proctor)
Imagine living a life of paranoia, in which you cannot even walk out of the front door without having to peer over your shoulder, wondering if or when you will be struck by an inevitable plague. In 1692, this mere situation was a horrendous reality for the people of Salem, Massachusetts in The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller. This plague, created by one’s burning desire to seek vengeance upon a man through the means of witchcraft, resulted in a tragic ending for many townspeople of all kinds alike. This series of unfortunate events ultimately resulted in the unnecessary death of many; however, this painful journey along with its experiences allowed many people to acknowledge, grow, and change their person and perspective in many aspects. These changes become evident in John Proctor, whose motivations behind his actions sprout from the emotional and spiritual wounds that he self-inflicted while committing to adultery.
Each and every decision that is made is a result of a motive; In the case of John Proctor, everything that he does is in attempt regain the trust, approval and unconditional love of his wife Elizabeth. Furthermore, he means to disprove the claims and corruptions caused by the sinful liar, Abigail. While in his home furiously defending the innocence of his wife to John Hale, who came to arrest her, Proctor proclaims, “I'll tell you what's walking Salem—vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrant's vengeance! I'll not give my wife to vengeance!” (871-884, 173). The content of this quote displays the immense amount of love and passion that John has for his wife. It also supports John’s motive behind his decisions. Additionally, it explains that the claims of witchcraft being made by Abigail are purely out of vengeance… a vengeance that Proctor brought upon
Imagine living a life of paranoia, in which you cannot even walk out of the front door without having to peer over your shoulder, wondering if or when you will be struck by an inevitable plague. In 1692, this mere situation was a horrendous reality for the people of Salem, Massachusetts in The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller. This plague, created by one’s burning desire to seek vengeance upon a man through the means of witchcraft, resulted in a tragic ending for many townspeople of all kinds alike. This series of unfortunate events ultimately resulted in the unnecessary death of many; however, this painful journey along with its experiences allowed many people to acknowledge, grow, and change their person and perspective in many aspects. These changes become evident in John Proctor, whose motivations behind his actions sprout from the emotional and spiritual wounds that he self-inflicted while committing to adultery.
Each and every decision that is made is a result of a motive; In the case of John Proctor, everything that he does is in attempt regain the trust, approval and unconditional love of his wife Elizabeth. Furthermore, he means to disprove the claims and corruptions caused by the sinful liar, Abigail. While in his home furiously defending the innocence of his wife to John Hale, who came to arrest her, Proctor proclaims, “I'll tell you what's walking Salem—vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrant's vengeance! I'll not give my wife to vengeance!” (871-884, 173). The content of this quote displays the immense amount of love and passion that John has for his wife. It also supports John’s motive behind his decisions. Additionally, it explains that the claims of witchcraft being made by Abigail are purely out of vengeance… a vengeance that Proctor brought upon