John Proctors Crucifixion
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John Proctors Crucifixion
Marry Easty. Martha Correy. Rebecca Nurse. John Proctor. All four of these people died for what they believe in. They stood strong for what they believed in and were not to be changed I their stance. Therefore, all four are considered tragic heroes. The most recognizable tragic hero would be John Proctor. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller develops John Proctor as a tragic hero who gives up his life for personal honor and suggests that his independent thinking breaks the back of the theocracy and ushers in the Age of Reason.
John Proctor is made the tragic hero by Arthur miller due to his unselfishness, independence, and because John has a tragic flaw. “I–I think I cannot. These are my friends, their wives are also accused” (Miller 77). Proctor replies with this after judge Danforth asks him a question. This clearly shows how Proctor not only cares for his family but for all those around him and is willing to endanger himself for their sake. John is also a very independent man and doesnt get advice from anyone and takes responsibility for his actions, without being regretful later on. “I can. And theres your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs” (Miller 101). John clearly displays that he doesnt need help from others even in the toughest decisions. Lastly John Proctor does have a tragic flaw: anger. Frequently throughout the book John gets very angry and raises his voice. “There might also be a dragonbut no one has ever seen it!” (Miller 96). Also when speaking to Elizabeth, John raises his voice and says, “I say I will think on it!” (Miller 51) and he also threatens Mary and Elizabeth when he “takes down the whip” (Miller 65). John is easily angered and he clearly displays his temper which causes him to not think properly. Perhaps if John had kept his cool things would have been different. Proctors anger is proven to be his tragic flaw which is the number one ingredient to being a tragic hero.