John Proctor as a Tragic Hero

Alyssa Wetzel
Sister Mary Alice Stein
Honors
September 16, 2009
The Hero’s Downfall
      John Proctor is a tragic hero in the play The Crucible, by Arthur Miller. John Proctor is a principled, noble man but he has a flaw which ultimately leads to his death.
John proctor is a good, principled man. He sins but still goes to church as much as can. He prays in his home and is devoted to God. John is also a principled man because he doesn’t believe the lies that Abigail and the other girls. He knows truth from lies which defines him throughout the play.
      John Proctor is attracted to Abigail Williams. This was his flaw throughout the play. When his wife was ill John began to have feelings for Abigail which led him to committing lechery. John confesses about his affair to the courts and to his wife. He realizes what he has done and apologizes for it. Ultimately, this flaw is followed by the death of John Proctor.

Finally, John Proctor’s flaw eventually led to his downfall, death. He admits to doing witchcraft but later realizes he would rather die for the truth. He rips up the confession and challenges the courts. John stands up for what he believes in even at the cost of his life and dies just so others could live. He also saves his name for Elizabeth and his child. He dies in honor, freedom, and integrity.
Because John Proctor is a principled man, admits his flaws and dies for the truth, he is a tragic hero. He commits lechery but realizes his mistakes and confesses. In the end however, John faces his death. John Proctor ultimately fulfills all of the expectations that a tragic hero follows. [pic]