Lower Joshua
10/12/11
Fry 5th hour
The Crucible: An analysis of John Proctor
In early America, witches, murder, death, and the devil were always present, a supernatural norm. In fact, it is still the norm for all of the Faith holding people in the world. However, in this time the supernatural is tempered by the sciences and societies mores; but in 1692 these regulations were not present. The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a perfect example of superstition without restraint, for the book tells the story of the town of Salem, Massachusetts and its infamous witch trials. Like a tragedy, within this superstitious time there were people of sane mind who could impose restraint. People like John Proctor. John proctor is named by some to be a Jesus like hero figure for the play because of his righteousness and demeanor, but this does not fit within the constructs of the play. For, although a good man, John Proctor cannot be considered a hero in that he is selfish, lustful, and prone to anger; at best John Proctor is a tragic hero caught up in a great tragedy.
One key difference that separates John is his selfishness. The puritans were a simple people, not in that they were stupid, but that they proffered an uncomplicated way of life. They wore simple homespun cloth of brown and other listless colors, and covered themselves wholly so as not to cause a stir. But, as in any group, there are those who must march through the veil on their life in order to get things done, those who must “hang the door upon the church”. John is one of these people. He is a farmer and is separated from the devout group most of the time, and is therefore basely different. Take his pride, for it is not often that pride is mentioned and selfishness is not inferred. Proctor is a very prideful man; this is easily seen in one of the last scenes of the play during the signing of Proctors confession. Proctor has confessed, and signed his confession with reluctance, but refuses to...