John Proctor is the main protagonist, in the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. He is a tragic hero, rather than a stooge or hero since he is willing to sacrifice himself for the better good of his community and family. In the Puritan town of Salem, he is viewed as an honest and good-natured farmer. In the beginning of the story, John plays the ordinary man; he is not distinctively good or bad, but eventually his actions and flaws lead to his downfall.
In Act I of the play, it was
revealed that John had an affair with Abigail Williams; his first flaw. John
would not forgive himself, and saw himself a sinner. The affair started all the
witch accusations and trials since Abigail tried to get rid of John’s wife. In
order to stop Abigail, he finally confessed to adultery, despite the damaging
to his reputation and self-pride. In the end, the confession backfired,
bringing him to his guilty conviction.
However, during the trails,
John had a chance to betray his friends and neighbors and save his life. He
chose death since he rather die and earn his self-respect back rather than make
his family live out a life with his terrible reputation. In addition, he was
able to save the people that were accused of witchcraft.
A stooge is someone who allows
to be used for another’s profit or advantage. Hero is defined as someone who is
admired for his achievements and noble qualities. John is not a stooge, but he
is not quite a hero. He is a tragic hero because he was destined for defeat. Ever
since his adultery with Abigail, John was suffering throughout the whole play
until he met his demise.
6 comments:
Although I know what happens, it's still sad to know that he died. You put it in a great light Ms Holly, however the last paragraph leaves you hanging in the sense that you want closure. You did great overall, and I agree completely, just don't leave us hanging like Proctor.
I like how you say that John isn't completely a stooge or completely a hero either. Since you consider him to be a "tragic hero", who would you say is/are the villain/s of this play?
(p.s. COOL BLOG)
I agree with the above comment that the last paragraph leaves the reader hanging. I like your point of view on this topic, it is refreshing. Since he is not quite a hero and not quite a stooge, in your opinion, is he more a hero or more a stooge?
@pencil, swaggabeats: My bad, I was trying to say that although he showed characteristics of both stooge and hero, he was never truly one or the other. He was a hero, more specifically a tragic hero since his flaws led him to his death, but he made the choice of sacrificing himself instead of betraying the others (which is really the deciding factor of hero).
@swaggabeats: what's with your name? and I see what you did there, you terrible person , go to the corner and think of what you said.(ਛ_≻ਛ)
I think that your post was original and unique by not really taking a side and stating like that about Proctor. It was also good that you used evidence from the story to back up your claims. Though I do agree with Brrrrrian Adams that the ending was a little open-ended. It was a fun read nonetheless.
You're a kewl person.
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