Mancini 3

Matt Mancini

Miss Coryat

English Period 4-5

2 February 2015

John Proctor: Christ-Figure or Tragic Hero?

Nobody fought against the Salem Witch Trials like John Proctor. He was both a farmer and a husband but his situation in The Crucible is very unclear. Some may call him a tragic hero while others believe he is almost like Jesus Christ. John Proctors influence on others, affair with Abigail Williams, and choice of death in the final act show that John Proctor was a tragic hero but wasnt a Christ figure.

John Proctor had a minimal effect on others in the courtroom. He was unable to convince the public that the witchcraft was all a lie told by Abigail. This shows that John Proctor was not a Christ-like figure because every good Christ-figure has a long impact on society. Nearing the end of his life, Proctor cries out, You are the high court, your word is good enough! Tell them I confessed myself; say Proctor broke his knees and wept like a woman...: (Miller 144). At the end of the play, Proctor was obviously defeated. His word was not accepted over the word of the other men in the courtroom. John Proctor lacked a following and the influence during his life that Jesus had.

John Proctor's affair with Abigail was his tragic flaw. John Proctor was a sinner. His flaw restricted him from achieving his goals and keeping his good name. His affair with Abigail clearly shows that John Proctor was, in fact, a tragic hero. He set out to do good for his community but could not overcome his affair in the past. Proctor says, Oh, Francis, I wish you had some evil in you that you might know me. To Danforth: A man will not cast away his good name. You surely know that (Miller 113). Here Proctor explains that he had copulated with Abigail. This affair set John Proctor away from a Christ-like figure. The image of Christ is normally thought of to be perfect - free from sin. John Proctor was not that. He failed to attend church and maintain good terms in his marriage. Illustrating Proctors immorality, he says, My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man (Miller 137). Proctor realizes that he has not only committed adultery but also has lied to cover it up. This way Proctor is depicted as flawed and as a tragic hero.

Proctors choice of death was how Proctor became a hero. Proctor chose death to protect his name. He made his decision out of honor, not arrogance. Proctor wanted to try to help everyone that would be accused after him. Near the end of the play Proctor says, I have three children - how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends? (Miller 144). Proctor is make his decision to protect both his name and his friends. Proctors admission to witchcraft would only harm others. Proctor performed this act out of love, not hubris.

John Proctor was a good man, but not an angel. Proctors flaws limited his ability to save the other victims of the Salem tragedy. Proctor was not the savior of the accused witches nor a Christ-like figure. John Proctor was unable to influence the courtroom. His affair with Abigail limited his influence. Proctors choice of death in the final act showed that he was a truly honest man, not an arrogant buffoon.

Works Cited

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. 1953. Lodi, New Jersey: Everbind Anthologies, 2004.