The Crucible, John Proctor's Search For Identity

A detailed Summary of The Crucible, John Proctor's Search For Identity


The Crucible: John Proctor's Search For Identity

John Proctor is a good man. He is a puritan, a husband, a citizen, and an all around valuable member of the community. All of this is represented by his name. The name of John Proctor could be considered his most prized possession. It is his most priceless asset. Proctor is very strong-willed and caring. He does not set out with any intentions of hurting anyone. He is a farmer and village commoner who is faced with incredible inner turmoil. He has committed adultery and had absolutely no intentions of joining in the witch trials. After his wife got involved and eventually was set free due to the fact that she was pregnant, he feels that he can't sit back and accept what is happening to the town. John Proctor is a good and noble man and because of this he believes that he can't be hanged and die a martyr when he has this sin blooming over him every waking moment.

Early on in the play, the reader comes to understand that John Proctor has had an affair with Abigail Williams while she was working in his home. Abigail believed that if she got rid of Elizabeth Proctor, then John Proctor would become her own. John Proctor had an affair with Abigail, but for him it was just lu


The most important scene in the play was act two, scene three, where John Proctor is able to talk with his wife, Elizabeth, one last time. He decides that he will "confess" to the crime of witchcraft, thereby avoiding being hung. He says to Elizabeth:

"Because it is my name. Because I cannot have another in my life . . . How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name." (143).

Everybody throughout their lives is faced with inner conflicts. One must make a decision based on what they think is right and true. The characters in The Crucible were faced with the most important decision of their lives. Whether right or wrong they went with what they thought was the right decision within their hearts. John Proctor learns a lot about himself as a result of this experience. He learns the strength of his will, and the power of his name. He knows that it is important above all to preserve his name and the integrity of his family. He learns what is right and what must be done. He finds himself somewhere in this enormous mess. John Proctor has tested his wits and his strength and his will. Because of this, he is wiser and stronger than he has ever been.

However, to accept what he said, the jud

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Approximate Word count = 829
Approximate Pages = 3 (250 words per page double spaced)

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