The crucible proctor conflicts
English Essay – The Crucible
Ethan Anderson
2010 question 2)
Choose a play in which a central character experiences not only inner conflict but also conflict with one (or more than one) other character.
Explain the nature of both conflicts and discuss which one you consider to be more important in terms of character development and/or dramatic impact.
The crucible is a 1953 play written by Arthur Miller and is a dramatic re-enactment of the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. The story is of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice due to the “threat” of witchcraft. It culminates in a violent climax where many of the inhabitants are sent to hang. The protagonist of the play, John Proctor, in turn gets caught up in inner and outer conflicts surrounding the complications in Salem - leaving the audience almost sympathetic.
When Proctor's family life is first seen, the reader can tell that his home life is not great. The relationship between John Proctor and his wife is very strained. The reader learns that Proctor has committed adultery with Abigail. Proctor, however, is trying to make it up to his wife. "I have not moved from there to there without I think to please you, and still an everlasting funeral marches round your heart." No matter what he does, his wife cannot forgive him for what he has done.
This provides one of the main conflicts that John is involved with - the conflict with himself. John must decide if he is going to tell the truth about Abigail and ruin his name, or if he will keep to himself, and let innocent people hang. John views himself as a moral Christian man, yet with it comes to revealing to the community what he has done with Abigail, he is hesitant. John only realizes what he has to do when his wife is accused of witchcraft. To save his wife, and the lives of his friends, John tries to tell the truth. Only when something he loves is in direct danger will Proctor do what is right.
Ethan Anderson
2010 question 2)
Choose a play in which a central character experiences not only inner conflict but also conflict with one (or more than one) other character.
Explain the nature of both conflicts and discuss which one you consider to be more important in terms of character development and/or dramatic impact.
The crucible is a 1953 play written by Arthur Miller and is a dramatic re-enactment of the Salem witch trials in Massachusetts. The story is of how the small community of Salem is stirred into madness by superstition, paranoia and malice due to the “threat” of witchcraft. It culminates in a violent climax where many of the inhabitants are sent to hang. The protagonist of the play, John Proctor, in turn gets caught up in inner and outer conflicts surrounding the complications in Salem - leaving the audience almost sympathetic.
When Proctor's family life is first seen, the reader can tell that his home life is not great. The relationship between John Proctor and his wife is very strained. The reader learns that Proctor has committed adultery with Abigail. Proctor, however, is trying to make it up to his wife. "I have not moved from there to there without I think to please you, and still an everlasting funeral marches round your heart." No matter what he does, his wife cannot forgive him for what he has done.
This provides one of the main conflicts that John is involved with - the conflict with himself. John must decide if he is going to tell the truth about Abigail and ruin his name, or if he will keep to himself, and let innocent people hang. John views himself as a moral Christian man, yet with it comes to revealing to the community what he has done with Abigail, he is hesitant. John only realizes what he has to do when his wife is accused of witchcraft. To save his wife, and the lives of his friends, John tries to tell the truth. Only when something he loves is in direct danger will Proctor do what is right.