Proctor (the crucble)

A detailed Summary of Proctor (the crucble)

At the beginning of Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, John Proctor, one of the main characters, is perceived by the reader to be a man of little integrity or conviction. Ironically, the play ends with this man being taken away to be hung because he refuses to lie in order to save his life. Proctor, accused of consorting with the Devil, is given the chance to confess that he has been participating in witchcraft, but refuses because he is innocent. In The Crucible, Proctor changes from a timid character held in bondage by his sin to a strong, righteous man who will die for the truth. This drastic change in his character is the basis of his significance to the outcome of the play. The unyielding faith of Proctor's wife, the influence of the people who share his beliefs and his triumph over an inner struggle help him make a decision that he believes will finally set him free from his past.

When John's wife, Elizabeth, discovers that he has been having an affair with their servant, Abigail Williams, she dismisses Abigail from her duties. Elizabeth feels betrayed and is resentful, but she continues to be faithful to John. Their relationship is weakened by its brokenness, but Elizabeth is determined to save it.

Proctor is also torn between deciding to lie or tell the truth when he sees Rebecca Nurse, one of the most godly woman in the village. Rebecca had also been accused of witchcraft and was sentenced to death because she refused to lie. John initially decides to save his life and lie, but when Rebecca comes into the room during his confession, he cannot look at her. Her presence and his guilt for forsaking her are factors which cause him to change his mind, and he later destroys the paper that has his confession written on it. Rebecca says, "Let you fear nothing! Another judgement waits us all!" (144). She is speaking of the judgement of God. When Proctor and Rebecca Nurse are taken away together to be hung, John is confident that he has made the right decision and that he will face God's judgement without fear when he dies. He says, "You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John

John experiences emotional and spiritual changes during the course of the play which help to make him a better man. His pride and selfishness diminish; he humbles himself and admits to his mistakes. This enables him to break down the wall of guilt that surrounds his heart and sets him free of his shame. As this happens, his emotional and spiritual strengths grow. He comes to grips with the fact that he will die but knows he will die a stronger man because of the decision he has made. Although John seems to be a weak character at the beginning of The Crucible, the changes in his character throughout the play cause him to find a purpose and direction for his life. He then becomes willing to die doing what is right.

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Approximate Word count = 1135
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English