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Examples Of John Proctor A Tragic Hero

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Tragic Hero Essay The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller, reveals a proper example of a tragic hero in five thrilling acts. Defined by Aristotle, the tragic hero in a literary work is defined by his downfall- often due to character. For example, in The Crucible, protagonist John Proctor brings himself to a false hanging. Proctor not only commits adultery, but is prideful and rebellious to Puritan society; therefore, his excommunication and imminent death soon follow. Similar to any tragic hero, John Proctor hides a secret flaw throughout The Crucible- a scandalous affair with the young and beautiful Abigail Williams. Proctor leads himself to the gallows by such an indulgence as Abigail sets out to steal John, a married man, for herself. Meanwhile, Elizabeth, Proctor’s wife, warns him against going to Salem in hopes of keeping him away from Abby- who causes trouble at every turn. Proctor, however, refuses to listen to his wife when it matters most; continuing to raise suspicion about his family’s name. Act I of The Crucible reveals John’s regret about his affair with Abby as well, foreshadowing the events to come between the two. John says “Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before …show more content…

Unlike most members of the church, Proctor and his family miss several church services. The church, upon accusing John and Elizabeth of witchery, use church attendance to validate their guilt. For example, in the text, Reverend Hale says “Mr. Proctor, your house is not a church; your theology must tell you that” (1300). Additionally, John Proctor plows his field on Sunday mornings. This action brings about disapproval from the church and makes him seemingly rebellious to the law. The Puritans see Proctor’s church attendance as a sign that he must be compacting with the Devil; therefore, tensions rise as Elizabeth is accused as

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