How Is John Proctor Strong In The Crucible

The Crucible Essay The definition of crucible is a severe test or trial. Arthur Miller skillfully uses this word to describe the 16th century, Salem inspired, witch trial based play, The Crucible. Handling the chaos of the courts in Salem became an accomplishment in its self. The characters also endured a test of strength by deciphering between what is best for themselves or their friends. Three characters that undergo many tests of emotional strength and stability in this play are John Proctor, the protagonist, Elizabeth whom is John’s upright and composed wife, and Reverend Hale the supernatural expert with a vendetta against witches. John Proctor appears to be an authentic, honorable, and candid man. In act one, Proctor exuberates love for authority and exercises his power to the best of his ability. Readers see through Proctor’s witty persona and analyze his fatal sin that fills him with guilt, his affair with Abigail Williams. In the midst of the play, John Proctor undergoes a plethora of self-torment and guilt. Meanwhile, the witch trials continue to be investigated. Only John can free innocent men and women tried for practicing witchcraft, but in the process will ruin his reputation. Proctor later confesses to his act of lechery and rests in the gallows with his neighbors. By doing so, John is perceived as a
tragic hero. Elizabeth Proctor is introduced as John Proctor’s upright and composed wife, but later becomes known as a cold, distant wife.
Elizabeth denies John’s excuse- her cold heart enabled John to cheat on her with Abigail Williams. Abigail and her friends are seen dancing in the woods, practicing witch craft. Abigail’s desire? To kill Elizabeth and have John to herself. Elizabeth becomes framed for being in possession of a ‘poppet’, arrested, and accused of witch craft. John’s only way to save his wife (and their unborn child) is to admit his crime of lechery. After doing so, Elizabeth and the wrongfully accused are released from
questioning. Reverend Hale contributes to the outbreak in accusations for practicing witch craft due to his strict code of conduct. Hale abides by these laws to maintain peace. When Hale is first introduced into the play, he is invited into Reverend Parris' house to help his niece, Abigail, who is under suspicion for having cast a spell upon Betty Parris. Upon entering, Hale is seen carrying books that are "weighted with authority" (Miller 34). Furthermore, when two, well-respected women, Martha Corey and Rebecca Nurse, are accused of witchcraft, Haley displays a biased opinion in favor of the court as opposed to his neighbors. Hale uses his power to fulfill his job without sentencing any wrongful deaths. Reverend Hales actions prove to play an important role in the outbreak of the witchcraft trials. Innocent men and women were under the accusation of witchcraft in the town of Salem during the 1690's. Towns across the United States of America during the 16th-century erupted in chaos and reeked havoc during the trials. Many prominent, well-respected individuals were accused and tried under the suspicion of practicing witchcraft.