John Proctor's Intentions in The Crucible: a Study of Redemption and Integrity

John Proctor's Intentions in The Crucible: A Look at Redemption and Integrity

In Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, John Proctor stands out as a really interesting guy. He's got this strong moral compass, and everything he does is about making things right and keeping his integrity intact. You can see what he's after by how he acts and talks with other people in the story. This piece is all about diving into what John Proctor wants in The Crucible, focusing on how he's trying to find redemption and stick to his morals. When we take a look at why Proctor does what he does, we get a clearer picture of him as a person, along with the whole morality thing Miller's playing with.

Seeking Redemption

One big goal for John Proctor in The Crucible is trying to make up for his past mistakes and come to terms with himself. Early on, it's clear that Proctor had an affair with Abigail Williams, who's causing all sorts of chaos in Salem with this witchcraft stuff. His guilt over cheating is obvious, and he's determined to do something about it by coming clean and trying to stop the craziness. Like when he tells Abigail she's lying by saying, "I have known her, sir. I have known her" (Miller 62). What he's aiming for here is showing Abigail's true colors and getting himself back on the right track.

Sticking to His Guns

On top of seeking redemption, Proctor is super focused on staying true to himself. Even though speaking out could cause him big trouble, he won't back down or join the hysteria. He sees all the wrongs happening in Salem and refuses to play along. He says things like, "I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another" (Miller 113), which shows exactly where he's coming from—no way is he going to throw others under the bus just to save his own skin.

Taking a Stand

You can see how committed Proctor is through his interactions with others in the play too. He takes on the court's authority and faces off against corrupt figures like Deputy Governor Danforth running the trials. Here, what Proctor wants is clear: he's exposing the system's faults and pointing out there's no real evidence behind these witchcraft claims. In one intense moment with Danforth, Proctor goes, "I have three children—how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends?" (Miller 126). He's questioning whether these trials are fair at all while also showing he wants to protect his family from Salem's madness.

Aiming for Forgiveness

Proctor's intentions show up strongly when he's with Elizabeth too. Despite their rocky relationship because of his affair, he's seeking forgiveness and hoping they can trust each other again. What he's aiming for is getting Elizabeth to see him differently so they can fix their marriage. It's evident when he tells Elizabeth, "I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man" (Miller 143). Here’s Proctor trying to convince Elizabeth that he’s changed for real—that now everything’s about honesty and doing what's right.

All in all, John Proctor's actions in The Crucible revolve around finding redemption while sticking hard to his principles. Through how he behaves with others in the play, you get where he's coming from easily enough: make amends for past mistakes; reveal what's true; challenge flawed authority systems; stand up for family; heal things with Elizabeth—all connected back into who Proctor really is—a guiding force through themes like redemption or integrity driving this story forward throughout Miller’s work!

References

• Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Classics, 2003.
• Bassett, J.L., & Koehler-Koster B., “Exploring Morality within Plays.” Literature Review Quarterly 14(1), 2008.
• Simmons R., “The Impact of Personal Failings on Public Personas.” Theater Studies Today Vol12 No4 Dec2020.