The Crucible Tragic Hero - Essay Example

The Crucible – Tragic Hero Introduction Arthur Miller in the drama ‘The Crucible’ charts the downfall of John Proctor, a tragic hero. John Proctor definitely qualifies as a tragic hero since he had a fatal flaw which led to his downfall. He was a man of great pride and temper. It was hard to imagine that a man could be filled with so much pride that it finally led to his downfall and destruction. However, it is his flaws that make him human and raise him to the level of a tragic hero. Though Proctor possessed many positive qualities, yet, he had a darker side to his character as well, and it is this dark side that surfaces from time to time creating havoc to his personal life and dragging him down from his pedestal of a hero. In this essay we are about to discuss the incidents that contributed towards Proctor becoming a tragic hero. Paragraph 1 (Complex character with analysis) Proctor’s personality and character was a complex blend of Puritanical pride, anger and a deep sense of self- loathing. He is very unpredictable especially when he does not have control over a particular situation. For example, on one hand, he was a sympathetic and good natured character who was friendly and helpful to those around him, but when things did not work out in his favor or when things went against him, he would resort to a display of anger through physical violence and by threatening and shouting. Another example of such violence and change of character is seen when he threatens to lay the whip on his wife, his ex-mistress and even on the servant girl. Towards the end of the play we see that his anger is caused by injustice in society and so this trait helps in ennobling him and endearing him to his audiences. Yet another example of Proctor’s crucial mistakes was that he had committed adultery with Abigail which led to his fatal downfall. He wouldn’t be a tragic hero if he did not have flaws. Proctor fully well understood his complex personality and was even able to identify the source of his downfall and this is what makes the play all the more a great success. If he had to be portrayed as a flawless hero, then the play would have been devoid of the tragic element. An example of this complexity is evident when he had the chance to save his life but yet he did not barter it at the cost of his pride and good name. He was so courageous in that he stood his ground and accepted death in defence of truth. Paragraph 2 (His Pride with example and analysis) Pride was John’s major flaw and it was this pride that led him to his downfall. We see the height of his pride in the following example when he had been accused of being a witch. At the court the judge believed in his innocence and was willing to set him free and let him live on the condition that he agreed to sign a confession. However, Proctor clearly understood that signing the confession would not only scar his name but also bring disrepute to the good name of the family and affect the reputation of his children. Therefore, instead of signing, he stood on moral high ground and accepted death rather than cause harm to his children. This example proves that he also has a good side to his character which tends to surface time and again and draws sympathy from the reader. Paragraph 3 – (His Self esteem with example and analysis) Self-esteem was a major part of John Proctor’s life and this is what set him apart from most of the members in his locality. For example, the Putnam’s strongly felt that any authority should be obeyed at all costs, but John Proctor was never backward to speak out his mind especially in the face of injustice. Yet another example of his self esteem is manifested throughout the play when he disagrees openly about the actions of Reverend Parris. His keen sense of justice did not allow him to stoop down to the level of Abigail and it was his self esteem which was a major contributor that led him to his execution. A good example of his show of self esteem was when he understood that he had been defeated by Abigail and not wanting to accuse or hurt anyone else, he decides to accept that he was practicing witchcraft. “I speak my own sins, I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it…” (Act III, pgs. 119 – 120) The reason for this is because Proctor becomes wary of Abigail’s actions and feels that she is out to take vengeance. Paragraph 4 (Self loathing, example with analysis) Self-loathing was yet another tragic flaw in the character of our protagonist John Proctor. A clear example of such disgust and loathing of himself is seen whenever he committed a crime against anyone. For example, when he committed adultery by cheating on his wife, he calls himself a ‘sinner’ and his deep seated pride does not allow him to confess the crime to any other person. However, in the court, he swallows his pride for a moment and expresses himself to the judge saying – “God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance and you must see it.” (Act III, pg. 94) There are many instances throughout the story where we witness the anger, pride and loathing of our tragic hero. For example, one of the most dramatic moments when we see these emotions and feelings exhibited is when he stands before Judge Danforth and with great disgust bursts out exclaiming – “A fire!, a fire is burning! “I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours.” (Act II, pg. 61) He loathes himself for his actions and is unable to reign in his anger or pride. Conclusion (Paragraph 5 - Summing up of the tragic hero) Arthur Miller’s tragic hero with all his flaws had still managed to gain the sympathy and love of his audience because he allows his protagonist to lay bare the very roots of his downfall and it is for this reason that his work still stands as one among the best works till today. The tragic flaws of anger, pride, self- esteem and loathing of our hero is dealt with by the author with deep insight into his character, making the story not only appealing but very interesting. He hopes that the audience would look beyond the flaws of his hero and find that circumstances were responsible to a great extent for his actions. Despite his flaws our tragic hero Proctor never fails to capture a place in the hearts of his audience. References Student Essay on John Proctor the Tragic Hero of “The Crucible” www.bookrags.com/essay-2005/12/15/7636/8039 The Crucible – Character Study – John Proctor www.plays.about.com/od/plays/a/jproctor.htm The Crucible – Quotes www.shmoop.com/crucible/quotes.html Read More