Mireles 1 Kamren Mireles Mrs. Tyree English III, Per.

6 15 December 2013 A Tragic Hero Fighting for Redemption A tragic hero is someone who has a downfall, but is recognized because of his brave actions he commits when he redeems himself. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, describes the witch trials that occurred in Salem. Proctor is a farmer who lived in Salem during the trials. Proctor committed a sin which disrupted his life, causing a life and death situation for his family. John Proctor was known as an honorable man, who strived to gain redemption for his downfall, which resulted in a legacy. Proctor possesses traits that are considered honorable. Proctor would let no man or woman talk badly about his wife, Elizabeth, which is demonstrated when he stated, [y]oull speak nothin of Elizabeth! (Act I, ll. 458-459). This shows that Proctor did not want Elizabeth to be known as a bad person. This is important because Proctors intense love for Elizabeth would not allow people to disrespect her. Proctor showed his respect towards the law when he says, [w]e vote by name in the society, not by acreage (Act I, l. 576).This shows he believes in Gods plan of equality for all. This is important because during all the chaos he remained fair. John Proctor was a good man that lived by the law and wanted no conflict with the world around him. However, he committed an action that led to his downfall. Proctor committed the sin of adultery because he let his tragic flaw of lust overcome him, which was his devastating downfall. Abigail speaks as though she and John Proctor had met many times secretly when she says, John-I am waitin for you every night (Act I, l. 415).This

Mireles 2 shows that Proctor had snuck Abigail into his barn in the middle of the night to see her. This is important because the affair is Proctors downfall, which now labeled him a lecher. Abigail tells of Proctors sin when she states, I have seen you looking up, burning in your loneliness (Act I, ll. 436-437). This shows that John Proctor was not satisfied with his wife, so he acted on his lust for Abigail. This is significant because when Proctor turned away from Elizabeth he had the affair with Abigail. Proctors life came crashing down when he messed with the emotions of Abigail Williams, who was willing to destroy his marriage to be with him once again. Although Proctor had a downfall, redemption could still be achieved. Proctor restored his relationship with Elizabeth by keeping his faith strong, which meant he had gained full redemption. Proctor showed he loved his wife and wanted her to forgive him when he states, I would have your forgiveness, Elizabeth (Act IV, l. 490). This demonstrates Proctors will to redeem himself with his wife. This is important because he did anything to gain his wifes love back. Elizabeth does not interfere when Proctor is being taken away because she believed he was redeemed when she says, [h]e have his goodness now[,] God forbid I take it from him! (Act IV, ll. 782-783). This shows that once he tore the written statement, he was willing to die for his beliefs. Proctors actions are important because he is now seen as a good man, because he Is choosing to give up his life in order to prove witch craft does not exist. Proctor strive for mercy and in gaining redemption, he left a legacy. Proctor had many good traits, but his tragic led him to a serious downfall. John Proctor was a respected man, but committing a severe sin resulted in a struggle for him to gain redemption. John Proctors legacy of believing God would always make the final judgment inspired others to stay true to their beliefs, which helped end the Salem Witch Trials.