(855) 4-ESSAYS

Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

John Proctor


            A tragedy should bring both fear and pity to the reader. A man in this tragedy should not be exceptionally righteous, but his faults should come about because of a certain irreversible error on his part. Tragic heroes inevitably find a negative or sometimes even fatal end that elevates the conclusion.
             John Proctor's good moral character and honest personality is first witnessed when he expresses some of his true feelings and affection toward his wife inside their humble home. Two quotes found early in Act Two further illustrate this point. "I mean to please you Elizabeth" (p. 50) he later goes on to say, " I think you"re sad again. Are you?" (p. 51) These two quotes taken from Arthur Miller's text best exemplify Proctor's loving emotions toward his wife Elizabeth. At a time in the world that most men kept their feelings bottled up inside, John Proctor is surprisingly sensitive and thoughtful. When he asks his wife if she is saddened he displays concern for her well-being. He wants nothing more than for his dear wife to feel loved and he is willing to do whatever it takes to make her feel that way. In this scene alone, Proctor shows the readers that he has devoted everything feeling in his body to Elizabeth and in the process he is not afraid to express them in a thoughtful and caring manner.
             Not only does Procter have an incredible devotion to his wife and children, but also he cares very deeply for his fellowmen and will no doubt go to great lengths in order to protect them. This is made clear when Danforth tries desperately to convince Proctor to confess. .
             "We have thought it too convenient to be credited. However, if I should tell you now that I will let her be kept another month; and if she began to show natural signs, you shall have her living yet another year, and a year is long. What say you sir? It is done now. Will you drop this charge?".
             Proctor responds by saying "I- I think I cannot.


Essays Related to John Proctor


Got a writing question? Ask our professional writer!
Submit My Question