The Tragic Hero: John Proctor in The Crucible

John Proctor is one of the most captivating characters in American literature. In Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible," he serves as the protagonist, an accused witch, and a tragic hero. Proctor is a man of integrity and principles, but he is also humanly flawed. He struggles with guilt, pride, and temptation and undergoes a transformation throughout the play. In this essay, I will analyze John Proctor's character in "The Crucible" and explore the reasons for his tragic fate.

Proctor's Characterization

Initially, John Proctor is portrayed as a rugged individualist -a farmer who keeps to himself and values his privacy. He is also a proud man who is unwilling to forgive himself for his past affair with Abigail Williams. This guilt weighs on him heavily and creates a sense of self-loathing. He refuses to attend church regularly, which contrasts with his wife Elizabeth's devout nature.

During Act I, Proctor's initial too-cool-for-school facade melts away when his servant-girl, Mary Warren, accuses his wife Elizabeth of witchcraft. Proctor is furious and becomes actively involved in the witch trials as he tries to save his wife's life. He is a complex character, with a mix of qualities that include bravery, anger, defiance, and guilt.

Proctor's Transformation

Proctor's transformation starts when he confronts his guilt and confesses to his wife about his affair with Abigail. He admits he feels like he's put "knowledge between us [Elizabeth and himself].”. He's guilty of giving his wife reason to lose trust in him, and these feelings of inadequacy motivate him to act heroically. He is a man who wants to redeem himself and protect his family and community.

Throughout the play, Proctor actively tries to expose the hypocrisy and madness behind the witch trials. He is outraged by the power the court holds and the lies that they generate. This exposes the dangers of an unchecked, single-minded pursuit for power, and how it can corrupt even the most virtue-ridden individuals. He does not want to die, but he believes that if he must go, he will die with his integrity intact.

Proctor as a Tragic Hero

John Proctor represents the classic model of the tragic hero. In "The Crucible," he experiences an internal conflict that leads to his downfall. Proctor's heroic trait is his desire to protect his family and friends from the injustices and lies of the court. He also represents the ideal that everyone deserves a second chance - a notion of redemption and catharsis. This desire is an admirable characteristic that we can all relate to. However, Proctor's inability to forgive himself and his pride fuel this desire, ultimately leading to his ruin. The moment his name is falsely incriminated, Proctor, who had already lost everything, decides to die.

Proctor's death marks the climax of the play but also serves as a powerful denouement. His execution is the result of a series of tragic events and inexorable circumstances. However, this tragedy doesn't only belong to Proctor but to the community he lives in.

Conclusion

In conclusion, John Proctor is an iconic character in Miller's "The Crucible." He is a complex, tragic hero whose character transformation and development exemplify both the nobility and flaws of the human character. Through his acts of valor and moral rectitude, he becomes a symbol of redemption and honor. Nevertheless, his personal demons drive him to his tragic fate, serving as a cautionary tale of pride, guilt, and the consequences of one's actions. As we analyze his character, it becomes apparent how easily our flaws and insecurities can drive us astray, resulting in our undoing. John Proctor's character serves as a reminder of the importance of character, the power of redemption and the susceptibility of the human character to the convenient manipulation of politics and prejudices.