John Proctor - a Tragic Hero in The Crucible

Hook Examples for “The Crucible” Essay

• Dramatic Excerpt: “Because it is my name!” These haunting words uttered by John Proctor in Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible’ echo the internal struggle of a man torn between pride and morality. Join me as we delve into the tragic journey of a character whose name became his ultimate downfall.

• Thought-Provoking Question: What drives a man to choose death over tarnishing his reputation? John Proctor’s unwavering pride in his name propels the gripping narrative of ‘The Crucible,’ challenging us to ponder the limits of personal integrity.

• Character Analysis: In the world of literature, few characters embody the essence of a tragic hero as profoundly as John Proctor. As we dissect his pride, flaws, and redemption, we unravel the layers of complexity that make him an enduring figure in American drama.

• Historical Parallel: John Proctor’s struggle for his name and reputation resonates with the historical backdrop of the Salem witch trials. Explore with me how Miller’s portrayal of Proctor mirrors the real-life conflicts of individuals accused of witchcraft in 17th-century America.

• The Power of Reputation: In a society where a name could mean the difference between life and death, John Proctor’s unwavering commitment to preserving his reputation reveals the profound influence of societal norms in ‘The Crucible.’ Together, we’ll navigate the treacherous terrain of Puritan New England.

Works Cited

1. Miller, Arthur. (2003). The Crucible. Penguin Books.
2. Campbell, Lily. (2017, December 7). John Proctor as a Tragic Hero in The Crucible. The Odyssey Online. https://www.theodysseyonline.com/john-proctor-tragic-hero
3. Jackson, Robert. The Tragic Hero of Arthur Miller’s Play, The Crucible. Study.com.
4. Johnson, Kevin R. (2006). Arthur Miller’s The Crucible: A Defense for Proctor. The Explicator, 64(3), 155-157. doi: 10.3200/EXPL.64.3.155-157
5. Strout, Richard. (1955). Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and Nathaniel Hawthorne: Some Parallels. American Literature, 27(1), 1-13. doi: 10.2307/2921827
6. Coker, Catherine. (1963). Puritanism in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. The New England Quarterly, 36(4), 471-477. doi: 10.2307/364489
7. Lister, Vivian. (1974). The Problem of Character in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Twentieth Century Literature, 20(3), 201-214. doi: 10.2307/441170
8. Bloom, Harold (Ed.). (1999). Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Chelsea House Publishers.
9. Tucker, Martin. (2013, March 22). The Crucible: Tragic Hero or Coward? The Good Men Project. https://goodmenproject.com/featured-content/the-crucible-tragic-hero-or-coward/
10. Atkinson, Brooks. (1953, January 23). The Crucible: Arthur Miller’s View of Tragedy. The New York Times. https://www.nytimes.com/1953/01/23/archives/the-crucible-arthur-millers-view-of-tragedy.html