John Proctor - a Tragic Hero?
John Proctor - A Tragic Hero? Tragic heroes are often referred to as those who have a stature of greatness and possess honorable qualities, but has a major flaw. As a result, a great downfall occurs due to their flaw, and other characters may be affected by this single downfall as well. Yet, the fall does not necessarily mean it leads to a total loss, because the outcome may be a realization of committing the righteous actions in hopes of saving themselves and their reputation as well. In Arthur Miller’s famous playwright, The Crucible, the character John Proctor can potentially be considered a tragic classical hero. For one, he does possess notable qualities of noble characteristics. He is not in a position of a higher stature, considering the fact that he is an average farmer, but he does live a noble life with his wife and three children. What created his flaw was his affair with Abigail Williams, the main antagonist in the story. This affair eventually lead her to accuse his wife, Elizabeth, of witchcraft in order for her to gain the possession of Proctor. From there, many other accusations arise and the Salem witchcraft trial becomes a gruesome event. Though having an affair with someone isn’t considered very “noble,” Proctor did however show his willingness to at least reverse the effects of his actions to save others around him, even if it meant the risk of his own life. Proctor accused the other girls of pretending their accusations on others, and that it’s all false. In Act III of The Crucible, Abigail and the others are putting on a show, as if they are being cursed by a demon and such. He accuses, “How do you call Heaven! Whore! Whore!” towards Abigail during her show, and brings about the judge’s attention.
Proctor knows they are pretending, and says so, but Judge Danforth does not agree, and Abigail insists he is a liar. He then confesses about his affair with Abigail in order to prove that she is not an innocent being either. “On the last
Proctor knows they are pretending, and says so, but Judge Danforth does not agree, and Abigail insists he is a liar. He then confesses about his affair with Abigail in order to prove that she is not an innocent being either. “On the last