The Crucible, a Tragedy? Essay Example
Lauren Kendrick
Ms. Todd
English 11
7 November 11
The Crucible: A Tragedy
One day in November of 2009 a young girl was killed in a hit and run by a negligent driver. Her name was Courtney Snipes; she was only 11 years old. Courtney’s family suffered from tragedy much like the characters in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible. These characters lost dozens of their neighbors all because of one group of girl’s ability to lie. Through Aristotle’s definition of what a tragedy in literature is; The Crucible can be easily defined as being a one with its tragic hero being portrayed through John Proctor, the feeling of catharsis, and the seriousness of the overall play. John Proctor is a perfect example of a tragic hero. John comes from a high position in society, has a tragic flaw, goes through reversal of fortune, and has an epiphany. John comes from a high position in society because of his reputation is of being an honest man. John’s wife, Elizabeth, had even said, “John-I never knew such goodness in the world!” This easily shows that John is a good man (Miller 137). As well as that, John definitely has a tragic flaw, which are his lustful feelings for Abigail. These feelings turn in an affair and it’s causing a lot of strain on his marriage. John had even said, “You will not judge me more Elizabeth.” John says this because Elizabeth has been very cold towards him (54). When John tries to help out his wife he goes through a reversal of fortune. He does this by showing the court a testament that people signed to say his wife is a good person. However, Rev. Parris says, “These people should be summoned. For questioning.” Because he believes the signers of the testament are corrupting the court (93). John has now gotten his wife, friends into danger and has lost his fortunate life style. Once John is being taken to jail he has an epiphany and says, “I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! …God damns our
Ms. Todd
English 11
7 November 11
The Crucible: A Tragedy
One day in November of 2009 a young girl was killed in a hit and run by a negligent driver. Her name was Courtney Snipes; she was only 11 years old. Courtney’s family suffered from tragedy much like the characters in Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible. These characters lost dozens of their neighbors all because of one group of girl’s ability to lie. Through Aristotle’s definition of what a tragedy in literature is; The Crucible can be easily defined as being a one with its tragic hero being portrayed through John Proctor, the feeling of catharsis, and the seriousness of the overall play. John Proctor is a perfect example of a tragic hero. John comes from a high position in society, has a tragic flaw, goes through reversal of fortune, and has an epiphany. John comes from a high position in society because of his reputation is of being an honest man. John’s wife, Elizabeth, had even said, “John-I never knew such goodness in the world!” This easily shows that John is a good man (Miller 137). As well as that, John definitely has a tragic flaw, which are his lustful feelings for Abigail. These feelings turn in an affair and it’s causing a lot of strain on his marriage. John had even said, “You will not judge me more Elizabeth.” John says this because Elizabeth has been very cold towards him (54). When John tries to help out his wife he goes through a reversal of fortune. He does this by showing the court a testament that people signed to say his wife is a good person. However, Rev. Parris says, “These people should be summoned. For questioning.” Because he believes the signers of the testament are corrupting the court (93). John has now gotten his wife, friends into danger and has lost his fortunate life style. Once John is being taken to jail he has an epiphany and says, “I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! …God damns our