Logue 1 Kaylyn Logue Mrs. Tyree English III, Per.

6 15 December 2013 The Rising of a Tragic Hero A tragic hero is one who begins life as an upright man, but due to a tragic flaw he must gain redemption, which will lead to his legacy. The Salem Witch Trials was a horrible event in our history that caused many innocent people to lose their lives. The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, describes the tragic events that occurred in Salem, Massachusetts. A man named John Proctor had a calm, simple life as a farmer, but he could be seen as both the spark and the ending of the Salem Witch Trials. John Proctor began life as a noble man until his downfall occurred when committing an affair, but he was able to redeem himself by standing by his beliefs. John Proctor possessed notable traits throughout The Crucible. Proctor was an admirable many in his community due to his hard work which is known he stated, I labor the earth from dawn of day to blink of night. (Act II, ll. 507-508). Proctors long hours in the fields shows that John Proctor was a man who made sure his family was provided for. The importance of Proctors dedication to work hard was one reason why many people in Salem respected him. Proctor was also an active man who helped his community which is seen when he said, I nailed the roof upon the church, I hung the door (Act II, ll. 527-528). This displays that John Proctor was a man of God and good faith. Proctors actions are significant because he brought God into the community by helping in the construction of the church. Although John

Logue 2 Proctor possessed good traits which caused many members of the community to respect him, he also had a serious flaw. John Proctors tragic flaw led him to a downfall that disrupted hundreds of lives. The force of the affair between Proctor and Abigail is known when Abigail says, I know how you clutched my back behind your house and sweated like a stallion whenever I come near! (Act I, ll. 423-425). This illustrates that Proctor and Abigail had a secret relationship. The lust Proctor had for Abigail is important became his downfall came about when he committed the affair due to the lust. The affair is proven to be a long term relationship that Abigail is not ready to let go of since she states, [y]ou loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet! (Act I, ll. 471-472). This demonstrates that the affair between Proctor and Abigail did not occur every once in a while since Abigail developed such strong feelings for Proctor. The significance of this is that the love Abigail had for Proctor had convinced her that being with him was worth breaking the law. Due to his poor judgment, John Proctor had a deep downfall that had severe repercussions, but redemption was still in sight. John Proctor was able to achieve redemption by fighting for and keeping true to his beliefs. John Proctor confesses the secret affair with Abigail when he says, I have known her sir, I have known her, in open court (Act III, l. 842). John Proctor is admitting to the sin of lechery in order to expose the meaning behind Abigails allegation against Elizabeth. This is important because Proctor did not want Elizabeth to be punished for his wrong doings, although he would be condemned a lecher. Elizabeth finally sees Proctor as she used to when she states, [h]e have his goodness now (Act IV, 782-783). John Proctor was seen as a noble man once again before he is hung. This is significant because although Proctor could have choose to stay

Logue 3 alive by saying he practiced witchery, he died in order to make a statement that witchery in Salem was a fabricated story made up by foolish girls. This is Through his death John Proctor not only redeemed himself, but left a legacy making him a tragic hero. John Proctor was a well-respected man, which faced difficulties in his life all due to one bad decision. Proctor was faced with the temptation of adultery, which he did not resist; but by earning Elizabeths forgiveness and holding his beliefs firmly he was once again a noble man. Although Proctor was the fuse which sparked the Salem Witch Trials, he was able to put an end to the fire through bravery. By John Proctors brave act of martyrdom, the Salem Witch Trials were put to an end, which proved that doing what is right can make a difference.