Proctors relationship Essays

Proctors relationship Essays Proctors relationship Essay Proctors relationship Essay Proctors relationship with his wife Elizabeth is obviously strained, both are trying really hard to reconcile with each other. Proctor seasons the stew his wife is cooking and tells her that it is well seasoned. Proctor does this to charm Elizabeth and compliment her on her good cooking. However Proctor knows that Elizabeth has not truly forgiven him for his affair with Abigail Williams. This is proved in the quote Proctor I have forgot Abigail, and-Elizabeth- And I. Proctor- Spare me! You forget nothing and you forgive nothing. This quote shows us that Proctor clearly feels that his wife has not forgiven him for his actions. Initially the audience might feel that it is Proctors guilt that is the reason for his aggressive behaviour toward Elizabeth but at the end of the play she acknowledges her own contribution towards his affair. Therefore his remorse for his sin and his commitment to his marriage become more heroic than we may first think. This is backed up by the quote: I have sins of my own to count. It needs a cold wife to prompt lechery. This shows that Elizabeth has accepted that she was partly to blame for Proctors affair with Abigail. In the main part of the crucible we see the town of Salem whipped up into a frenzy of condemnation of innocent people who have wronged in no way punishable of death. Proctor however sees the hysteria as nonsense. He also sees no need for Hale to be sent for; Hale is a reverend in a nearby town of Beverly who is learned in the arts of the devil. Proctor realises that if he comes than the whole situation will be totally misinterpreted as the devil being at work in Salem. This is stated in Parris- A wide opinions running in the church that the devil may be among us, and I would satisfy them that they are wrong- Proctor- Then let you come out and satisfy them wrong. Did you consult the wardens before you called this minister to look for devils? This quote shows us that Proctor wants Parris to tell the people that there is no witchcraft in Salem and does not like the idea about an expert being involved as this would lead to uproar in Salem and other towns around Salem. When the women of the Village get arrested Proctor aids their husbands to try and free them. This in my opinion is a selfless act of heroism on its own. Not only that but Proctor himself confesses to sleeping with Abigail as a reason for the accusations the girls are making. This is very unselfish of Procter as he knew that him admitting to having slept with Abigail will result in his castigation however what he doesnt know is that this will be used against him. Proctor is then also accused of witchery and taken to jail. When being questioned, Elizabeth defends Proctor and points out his good character. This helps develops Proctors heroic view on the audience. Proof of this is shown when it states There will be no higher judge under heaven than Proctor is! Forgive me, forgive me, John I never knew such goodness in the world. This shows that Proctors wife believes Proctor to be a true hero because of what he has done and what he has been through for her. The play end with the death of proctor and other well respected characters in the village. Even though proctor falsely admits seeing the devil to save himself from being hanged he does not sign to it this is because proctor believes that he is betraying his friends that have been killed as well as to save himself in a sense being ridiculed. This is supported by the quote Because it is my name! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! I am not worth the dust on the feet of them who hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my sole; leave my name!. This shows proctors incredible will and braveness by protecting the honour of his name and the honour of the people who did not confess. Proctors heroism is also glorified when it quotes I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs. This shows how Procter distinguishes that there is some goodness in him. To conclude I believe that John proctor was indeed a tragic hero in the play. He achieved his sense of purpose in life and that was to be a good father, husband and Christian whilst saving the dignity of his name. I also believe that Abigail could be described as the villain in the play as she manipulated the panic in Salem for her own purpose not even considering how many lives and families she ruined. Elizabeth discovers her husbands true nature and is happy because of it as if she had not discovered the true John Proctor she would still have doubted him a good man. I also believe that Arthur Miller created the character John proctor to be a tragic hero by giving him power (the respect of the village) a flaw (his affair with Abigail) and his purpose (to be a good man and please his wife and children).