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How Does John Proctor Change Throughout The Play

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Crucible Final Essay In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, Miller examines the startling nature of humans when faced with mass hysteria as represented by the Salem Witch Trials. Not only is The Crucible a story of the heinous acts committed during the Witch Trials, but it is an allegory for the state of America during the Red Scare. Because of this, The Crucible continues to be a relevant piece of literature due to the multidimensional nature of the writing. Miller’s striking commentary of the human equation portrays several characters who are forced by circumstances to undergo personal changes. Miller shows the greatest transformation in John Proctor, Mary Warren, and Reverend Hale in order to convey the idea that individuals during this …show more content…

In the beginning of the play, John is a well-respected farmer who is steadfast in his beliefs. He cares deeply about the reputation of his name and goes to great lengths to keep his adultery with Abigail Williams a private affair. During an encounter with Abby, he tells her, “But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby.” (Pg. 22). This quote shows John’s desperation for Abby to forget their encounter, partly because he regrets his actions and wishes to hide his discretion, but partly also because he is afraid he will fall for her temptations again. John’s frame of mind quickly changes once he realizes the lengths Abby is willing to go to take Elizabeth’s place by his side. After John realizes Abby and the other so-called afflicted girls are placing blame on those in the community who are guilty of no crimes, including his wife Elizabeth, John feels it is his duty to restore order to Salem. He goes in front of the court and, in an attempt to undermine Abby’s credibility, admits to committing adultery with the statement “I have known her, sir. I have known her.” (Pg. 102). John’s change in attitude clearly marks him as a dynamic character. His transformation of desperately trying to hide his lechery with Abby to fully admitting to the court his misdoings shows the dire situation John was placed in and the personal change he was forced to go

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