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

6 5 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 came about when committing an affair, but he however was able to redeem himself by standing by his beliefs. John Proctor possessed notable traits throughout the Crucible. Proctor tried to help people realize that Abigail Williams and the other girls were making false accusations when he stated, [a] wide opinions running in the parish that the Devil may be among us, and I would satisfy them that they are wrong (Act I, ll. 537-539). This shows that John Proctor was not being fooled by the childish accusations. This is important because Proctor was one of few people who did not believe the most respected members of their community had written their names in the Devils book. Proctor also proves his faithfulness to his wife Elizabeth when he says, I have hardly stepped off my farm this seven month (Act I, ll. 433-434). This displays John Proctors commitment towards his wife and children. This is significant because Proctor is not falling into

Logue 2 temptation and sneaking away from his family. Although John proctor possesses good traits, he was not exempt from flaws. John Proctors tragic flaw led him to a downfall that disrupted several 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. 423425). This illustrates that Proctor and Abigail had a secret relationship. This is important because the affair was Proctors tragic flaw that led to his downfall which affected several peoples lives. 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. 471472). This demonstrates that the affair between Proctor and Abigail was powerful and ongoing. This is significant because the love Abigail has for Proctor has convinced her that being with him is 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). This presents John Proctor 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). This shows that Proctor is a noble man once again before he is hung. This is significant because although Proctor could have choose to stay alive by saying he practiced witchery, he died in order to make a statement that witchery in Salem was a scam made up by foolish girls.

Logue 3 Through his death John Proctor not only redeemed himself, but left a legacy making him as 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. Through John Proctors brave act of martyrdom, the Salem Witch Trials was put to an end, which proves that doing what is right can make a difference.