The Salem witch trials that occurred in the 1600s are recorded as one of the most tragic social injustices of our history's past. Many who were involved in this event were good, innocent Christian people who were caught up in their own web of superstitions and fanatic religious beliefs. In the novel, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, the people of Salem were cowards, nobody stood up against the system to save their name, for fear of accusation. The character John Proctor portrays a middle-aged farmer of the Salem village, who dies to save his name. His actions in an adulterous situation led to his heroic intentions towards the conclusion of the play.
Previous to the opening of the play, John Proctor and Abigail Williams engaged in an adulterous relationship, however not without regret on his part. Abigail is still under the impression that John wants to continue their relations, however his thoughts are quite opposite.
?I know how you clutched my back behind your house and sweated like a stallion whenever I come near? (Act I. 21).
?We never touched Abby??(Act I. 21).
Although John, at this point, continues to harbor soft feelings for Abigail, he recognizes his fault and realizes his that it is his wife's innocence that is more important than any desirable young girl. The only people with knowledge of the sinful relationship are Proctor, Abigail, and Elizabeth Proctor.
Not only does Proctor wish to forget and move on, he wishes that his wife, Elizabeth, would as well, however, she needs more evidence than his word. She trusts John to a certain extent, just not alone with Abigail due to the fact that she has not yet fully healed. Elizabeth wishes for John to tell the court of Abigail's false accusations relating to witchcraft, and has her doubts when he hesitates. .
?Spare me. You forget nothin? and forgive nothin??I have not moved from there to here without think to please you?? (Act II.
