thesis on john proctor

Forgotten password

Please enter the email address that you use to login to TeenInk.com, and we'll email you instructions to reset your password.

• Poetry All Poetry Free Verse Song Lyrics Sonnet Haiku Limerick Ballad
• Fiction All Fiction Action-Adventure Fan Fiction Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Sci-fi/Fantasy Scripts & Plays Thriller/Mystery All Novels Action-Adventure Fan Fiction Historical Fiction Realistic Fiction Romance Sci-fi/Fantasy Thriller/Mystery Other
• Nonfiction All Nonfiction Bullying Books Academic Author Interviews Celebrity interviews College Articles College Essays Educator of the Year Heroes Interviews Memoir Personal Experience Sports Travel & Culture All Opinions Bullying Current Events / Politics Discrimination Drugs / Alcohol / Smoking Entertainment / Celebrities Environment Love / Relationships Movies / Music / TV Pop Culture / Trends School / College Social Issues / Civics Spirituality / Religion Sports / Hobbies All Hot Topics Bullying Community Service Environment Health Letters to the Editor Pride & Prejudice What Matters
• Reviews All Reviews Hot New Books Book Reviews Music Reviews Movie Reviews TV Show Reviews Video Game Reviews Summer Program Reviews College Reviews
• Art/Photo Art Photo Videos
• Summer Guide Program Links Program Reviews
• College Guide College Links College Reviews College Essays College Articles

Summer Guide

College guide.

• Song Lyrics

All Fiction

• Action-Adventure
• Fan Fiction
• Historical Fiction
• Realistic Fiction
• Sci-fi/Fantasy
• Scripts & Plays
• Thriller/Mystery

All Nonfiction

• Author Interviews
• Celebrity interviews
• College Articles
• College Essays
• Educator of the Year
• Personal Experience
• Travel & Culture

All Opinions

• Current Events / Politics
• Discrimination
• Drugs / Alcohol / Smoking
• Entertainment / Celebrities
• Environment
• Love / Relationships
• Movies / Music / TV
• Pop Culture / Trends
• School / College
• Social Issues / Civics
• Spirituality / Religion
• Sports / Hobbies

All Hot Topics

• Community Service
• Letters to the Editor
• Pride & Prejudice
• What Matters

All Reviews

• Hot New Books
• Book Reviews
• Music Reviews
• Movie Reviews
• TV Show Reviews
• Video Game Reviews

Summer Program Reviews

• College Reviews
• Writers Workshop
• Regular Forums
• Program Links
• Program Reviews
• College Links

The Crucible (essay on John Proctor)

In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, John Proctor is a flawed, conflicted character. Proctor is a man whose mistakes lead him to a place of self-doubt. Throughout the novel, he teteers on an inner scale of self-confidence and self-worth vs. self-hatred and self-deprecation. It is only at the end of the novel that he decides that his identity is worth clinging onto, although, paradoxically, this means being hanged. It is an important realization for Proctor that he would rather die as himself, with at least a shred of dignity and self-worth, than live feeling confined, oppressed, and used by Danforth and the church. Proctor is both a failure and an ultimate hero because his fatal mistake, his moral sin, leads him to acknowledge his flaws, forgive himself, and realize his personal worth and integrity.

Prior to the events in the story, John Proctor has a short-lived affair with Abigail Williams, who was the servant of Proctor and his wife Elizabeth. Out of some place of desperation or loneliness, and discontentedness with himself, Proctor lusted for this young, charming girl. He regrets his decision immensely and falls into a place of despair and self-hatred, convinced he can never right his wrong and is now forever dishonorable and sinful. Great stress is put on his relationship with his wife, Elizabeth, whom he still loves. There is a feeling of separation between them, a cold distance that discomforts them both. At the end of the play, Danforth and the others allow Elizabeth to see John before he is set to be hanged, his punishment for refusing to admit to witchcraft. John looks to his wife to help him justify his actions. Elizabeth tells her husband, “John, it come naught that I should forgive you, if you’ll not forgive yourself” (136). Elizabeth understands that John feels as though she must forgive him before he can forgive himself. But she also knows that ultimately, he must come to terms with his actions and that he can only set himself free from his burdensome guilt—she can’t do that for him. Throughout Proctor’s conversation with Elizabeth, he demonstrates that he is wrangling with his notions of morality, self-worth, and self-forgiveness. His determination to redeem himself and willingness to own up to what he did prove that despite making an appalling moral error, he is still a moral hero.

Proctor ultimately decides to deny allegations of witchcraft. He refuses to live under the false pretense of committing and admitting to witchcraft, appeasing the church, and being used as another name in the storm of accusations and anxiety occurring in Salem. By letting himself be hurled into the pool of the accused, Proctor feels that the church is taking his soul and using him, an important name in town, to make their cause look legitimate. He says, “God knows how black my sins are!” (142) and in spite of this, God doesn’t need his name nailed up on the church doors for the world to see—this matter is between him and God. Proctor’s inner strength and sense of self-worth are demonstrated when he declares to Danforth and Parris, “You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs” (144). Proctor strives to come to terms with his past sins and acknowledge that he is more than his shortcomings—they needn’t forever weight him down. Similar to how Proctor’s decision to be hanged or confess changes back and forth, his belief in himself wavers, but he finally decides to forgive himself: in an ultimate inner battle for self-worth, Proctor prevails. He dies as himself, cognizant of his righteousness as well as of his flaws.

Throughout the play, John Proctor’s mistakes weigh him down and lead him to a place of self-doubt. Ultimately, he is able to forgive himself and learns to view himself as no less of a person than anyone else despite moral wrongs he has committed in the past. Ironically, by fully believing in himself and deciding that his identity is worth not giving up to the merciless Danforth and Parris, he is hanged. However, Proctor’s life ends when he is truly himself, flaws included, rather than continuing to live feeling used and oppressed by the church. Realizing that he would rather die as himself demonstrates Proctor’s growth and courage, making him worthy of the title moral hero. A man who has done no wrong is surely moral, but a man who has done wrong, recognizes it, finds a way to forgive himself, and learns deeper meaning from this emotional trauma is a moral hero.

Similar Articles

Favorite Quote: "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."

Favorite Quote: According to Greek mythology, humans were originally created with four legs, four arms and a head with two faces. Fearing their power, Zeus split them apart, condemning them to spend their lives in search of their other half.

Favorite Quote: Writing is a passion from within, you can write about anything that your heart desires and nobody can tell you that it is wrong. Loving somebody is like giving them a gun and hoping they don't pull the trigger

JOIN THE DISCUSSION

This article has 0 comments.

• Subscribe to Teen Ink magazine
• Submit to Teen Ink
• Find A College
• Find a Summer Program

Share this on

Send to a friend.

Thank you for sharing this page with a friend!

Tell my friends

Choose what to email.

Which of your works would you like to tell your friends about? (These links will automatically appear in your email.)

Send your email

Delete my account, we hate to see you go please note as per our terms and conditions, you agreed that all materials submitted become the property of teen ink. going forward, your work will remain on teenink.com submitted “by anonymous.”, delete this, change anonymous status, send us site feedback.

If you have a suggestion about this website or are experiencing a problem with it, or if you need to report abuse on the site, please let us know. We try to make TeenInk.com the best site it can be, and we take your feedback very seriously. Please note that while we value your input, we cannot respond to every message. Also, if you have a comment about a particular piece of work on this website, please go to the page where that work is displayed and post a comment on it. Thank you!

Pardon Our Dust

Teen Ink is currently undergoing repairs to our image server. In addition to being unable to display images, we cannot currently accept image submissions. All other parts of the website are functioning normally. Please check back to submit your art and photography and to enjoy work from teen artists around the world!

• Entertainment
• Environment
• Information Science and Technology
• Social Issues

Home Essay Samples Literature The Crucible

John Proctor: The Moral Center of "The Crucible"

Table of contents, introduction, the human flaws of john proctor, proctor as a symbol of resistance, the price of integrity, proctor as a tragic hero, works cited.

*minimum deadline

Cite this Essay

To export a reference to this article please select a referencing style below

• Musee Des Beaux Arts
• The Emperor of Ice Cream
• J. K. Rowling
• Jorge Luis Borges
• The Secret Life of Bees

Related Essays

Need writing help?

You can always rely on us no matter what type of paper you need

*No hidden charges

100% Unique Essays

Absolutely Confidential

Money Back Guarantee

By clicking “Send Essay”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement. We will occasionally send you account related emails

You can also get a UNIQUE essay on this or any other topic

Thank you! We’ll contact you as soon as possible.

The Crucible

Arthur miller, ask litcharts ai: the answer to your questions, john proctor quotes in the crucible.

The Crucible

Write a literary analysis essay using evidence from "the crucible", act 4, part 6.

Use this thesis statement:

John Proctor is the hero of this story because he stands up against the corrupt court and refuses to lose his good name by confessing to lies, even if it means his death.

I'm sorry, this is a short-answer forum designed for text specific questions. We are unable to assist students with essays or other writing assignments.

Log In To Your GradeSaver Account

• Remember me
• Forgot your password?

Create Your GradeSaver Account

We are using john proctor . Thesis/Claim: Topic Sentence: Evidence...

We are using john proctor 

Answer & Explanation

The Evolution of John Proctor: A Crucible of Character  

Thesis/Claim- In Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," John Proctor undergoes a profound transformation, shifting from a flawed and morally conflicted individual to a tragic hero who ultimately sacrifices himself, demonstrating the power of redemption and the dire consequences of mass hysteria.

1st Body Paragraph

Topic Sentence- John Proctor's initial character trait of moral ambiguity is evident from the beginning of the play.

Evidence (embedded!)- In Act 1, Proctor dismisses the witch trials as "a black mischief," revealing his skepticism about the accusations.

Commentary (Analyse how the character trait is developed)- Proctor's moral ambiguity is further developed as he admits to committing adultery with Abigail Williams, illustrating his internal conflict and guilt.

Commentary (Analyse how the character trait connects to the development of the theme)- This moral ambiguity serves to highlight the theme of individual integrity and the consequences of concealed sins in a theocratic society.

2nd Body Paragraph

Topic Sentence- As the play progresses, Proctor experiences a significant shift in his character trait, evolving towards self-redemption.

Evidence (embedded!)- In Act 3, Proctor takes a stand against the court, declaring, "I say—I say—God is dead!" This bold assertion marks a turning point in his character.

Commentary (Analyse how the shift in the character trait is developed)- Proctor's transformation is further developed as he decides to confess his sin openly, not only to save his wife but also to reclaim his integrity.

Commentary (Analyse how the shift in the character trait connects to the development of the theme)- This shift in Proctor's character trait is deeply tied to the theme of individual resistance against oppressive authority, underscoring the power of personal redemption.

Ideas for Conclusion

Commentary (Analyse how the shift in the character trait connects to the development of the theme) In the end, Proctor's journey from moral ambiguity to self-redemption aligns with the overarching themes of "The Crucible." His ultimate sacrifice serves as a poignant reminder of the devastating consequences of mass hysteria and the enduring power of personal integrity.

In conclusion, Arthur Miller's portrayal of John Proctor in "The Crucible" is a testament to the complexity of human character and the potential for redemption in the face of adversity. Proctor's evolution from a morally conflicted individual to a tragic hero underscores the themes of personal integrity, resistance against oppression, and the enduring impact of one's choices. Through his character, Miller delivers a powerful message about the consequences of mass hysteria and the timeless significance of individual virtue. John Proctor, in his journey, truly becomes a crucible of character.

Approach to Solving the Question:

Thesis/Claim

• Start with a clear and concise thesis statement that outlines the main argument you'll be making about John Proctor and the development of his character traits in relation to the theme of the play.
• Introduce the character trait you'll discuss (e.g., moral ambiguity) and its initial state in John Proctor.
• Provide specific textual evidence from "The Crucible" that showcases John Proctor's display of this character trait.
• Analyze how John Proctor's character trait (e.g., moral ambiguity) is developed throughout the play. Discuss the moments or events that contribute to this development.
• Explain the connection between John Proctor's character trait (e.g., moral ambiguity) and the overarching themes of "The Crucible." How does his character trait contribute to the exploration of these themes?
• Introduce the shift in the character trait you'll be discussing (e.g., self-redemption).
• Provide specific examples from the text that illustrate this shift in John Proctor's character trait.
• Analyze how and why this shift in John Proctor's character trait (e.g., self-redemption) occurs. What events or realizations lead to this change? Commentary (Analyze how the shift in the character trait connects to the development of the theme)
• Discuss the significance of this shift in relation to the themes of "The Crucible." How does it contribute to the exploration of these themes or the overall message of the play?
• Summarize the key points you've made about John Proctor's character development and its connection to the play's themes.
• Reflect on the broader implications of John Proctor's character journey and what it reveals about the human condition or the society depicted in the play.

Detailed Explanation:

In each section of the essay, you will:

Thesis/Claim- Present your main argument in a clear and concise manner. This will serve as the guiding theme for your analysis.

Body Paragraphs (1st and 2nd)- Each body paragraph should follow a similar structure. Start with a topic sentence that introduces the character trait or shift in character you're discussing. Provide specific textual evidence to support your points, followed by commentary that analyzes how the character trait is developed and its thematic relevance.

Conclusion- In the conclusion, recap the main points made in the body paragraphs and restate the significance of John Proctor's character development in relation to the play's themes.  

• In the body paragraphs, use quotes and passages from "The Crucible" to support your arguments. For instance, when discussing John Proctor's moral ambiguity, you can quote his dialogues or actions that reflect this trait.

Key References:

Cite specific references from "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller to support your analysis. These should include page numbers or act/scene references.

You can also refer to critical essays or analyses of "The Crucible" by reputable scholars for additional insights into the character of John Proctor and the play's themes.

Related Q&A

• Q An investment firm wants to create a billboard that displays an enlarged $1,000,000 bill. The actual size of the bill is... Answered over 90d ago
• Q This article is called "Whiteness as an "Unmarked" Cultural Category" by Ruth Frankenberg. PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE READ THE... Answered over 90d ago
• Q Drawing from the NMBA's Code of Conduct for Nurses:  Reference: https://www.nursingmidwiferyboard.gov.au/Codes-Guideline... Answered over 90d ago
• Q In light of the COVID-19 epidemic; there have been many healthcare disparities highlighted with various populations. It ... Answered over 90d ago
• Q Please help question is attached as an image below. Which was NOT a motivation for the creation and expansion of the Rom... Answered over 90d ago
• Q Comparative financial statements for Weller Corporation, a merchandising company, for the year ending December 31 appear... Answered over 90d ago
• Q The following data consist of IQ scores for 50 participants 141 97 107 127 108 87 124 110 114 92 115 118 101 112 102 91 ... Answered 71d ago
• Q Which is NOT true about cave paintings?   a they were made during the Paleolithic period b art historians agree their fu... Answered over 90d ago
• Q Following Hurricane Maria in 2017, the U.S. President and the Mayor of San Juan, Puerto Rico, engaged in a public exchan... Answered over 90d ago
• Q Colton wants to start saving for university. He can make a deposit today of $50,000 and expects to deposit $5,000 at the... Answered 52d ago
• Q Question 2: Define the operation "unit dosing" List and explain two (2) Operating Principles of Part I and explain how s... Answered over 90d ago
• Q  . Drills with R on importing and plotting data, and finding the distribution measures Provide in the plain text R comma... Answered over 90d ago
• Q ESVS 401: APLLICATION OF FIRES RESEARCH.   topic:  The purpose statement of this research is to find ways to reduce the ... Answered over 90d ago
• Q Locate the article "When do human beings begin? Scientific myths and scientific facts," by Dianne Irving (found in the J... Answered over 90d ago
• Q The Vanishing Hitchhiker   1. Where were Brent and Dan going?   2. Why did they pick up the girl in the white dress?   3... Answered over 90d ago
• Q Principles of leadership and management may include creating a vision, empowering others, fostering collaboration, and g... Answered 75d ago

• Essay Database
• world trade center
• Greek Food and Culture
• The Future Portrayed I…
• Intercultural Communications
• In Heart of Darkness, …
• Things Fall Apart by C…
• In J.M. Coetzee's Wait…
• The Criminals Of Profe…
• Socialization of Children
• The Poet of Nature, Wi…
• Leonhard Euler
• Articles of Confederat…
• About all Sharks
• Vietnam Poetry

"The Crucible": John Proctor

What is paper-research.

• Custom Writing Service
• Terms of Service
• Privacy Policy
• Biographies

Home — Essay Samples — Literature — Tragic Hero — Tragic Hero: John Proctor 

Tragic Hero: John Proctor 

• Categories: Arthur Miller The Crucible Tragic Hero

About this sample

Words: 1001 |

Published: Feb 8, 2022

Words: 1001 | Pages: 2 | 6 min read

• https://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crucible/ Asher Miller (1915)   

Should follow an “upside down” triangle format, meaning, the writer should start off broad and introduce the text and author or topic being discussed, and then get more specific to the thesis statement.

Provides a foundational overview, outlining the historical context and introducing key information that will be further explored in the essay, setting the stage for the argument to follow.

Cornerstone of the essay, presenting the central argument that will be elaborated upon and supported with evidence and analysis throughout the rest of the paper.

The topic sentence serves as the main point or focus of a paragraph in an essay, summarizing the key idea that will be discussed in that paragraph.

The body of each paragraph builds an argument in support of the topic sentence, citing information from sources as evidence.

After each piece of evidence is provided, the author should explain HOW and WHY the evidence supports the claim.

Should follow a right side up triangle format, meaning, specifics should be mentioned first such as restating the thesis, and then get more broad about the topic at hand. Lastly, leave the reader with something to think about and ponder once they are done reading.

Cite this Essay

Let us write you an essay from scratch

• 450+ experts on 30 subjects ready to help
• Custom essay delivered in as few as 3 hours

Get high-quality help

Dr. Heisenberg

Verified writer

• Expert in: Literature

+ 120 experts online

By clicking “Check Writers’ Offers”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy . We’ll occasionally send you promo and account related email

No need to pay just yet!

Related Essays

2 pages / 1105 words

2 pages / 1071 words

1 pages / 578 words

4 pages / 1709 words

Remember! This is just a sample.

You can get your custom paper by one of our expert writers.

121 writers online

Still can’t find what you need?

Browse our vast selection of original essay samples, each expertly formatted and styled

Related Essays on Tragic Hero

Sophocles' tragedy, Antigone, is a timeless piece of literature that delves into the complexities of human nature, morality, and pride. At the heart of the play is the character of Creon, the newly crowned king of Thebes, whose [...]

Romeo and Juliet is a timeless classic that explores the complexities of young love, family honor, and societal pressure. The play's protagonist, Juliet, is a young woman who faces multiple challenges throughout the story. While [...]

Hamlet, is one of the most celebrated works in English literature, and the character of Hamlet himself is often considered one of the most complex and enigmatic figures in all of drama. The play revolves around the central [...]

Hamlet is a timeless and renowned tragedy that continues to captivate audiences and scholars alike. The play’s complexity and depth have led to numerous interpretations and analyses, with one of the central themes being the [...]

In the realm of dramatic art, cultural influences often shape the narrative, giving birth to captivating tragedies that resonate with audiences. Wole Soyinka's masterpiece, "Death and the King’s Horseman," is no exception, as it [...]

John Proctor is a complex character in Arthur Miller’s play, “The Crucible.” Throughout the play, Proctor exhibits a variety of character traits that make him a fascinating and multi-dimensional figure. In this essay, I will [...]

Related Topics

By clicking “Send”, you agree to our Terms of service and Privacy statement . We will occasionally send you account related emails.

Where do you want us to send this sample?

By clicking “Continue”, you agree to our terms of service and privacy policy.

Be careful. This essay is not unique

This essay was donated by a student and is likely to have been used and submitted before

Download this Sample

Free samples may contain mistakes and not unique parts

Sorry, we could not paraphrase this essay. Our professional writers can rewrite it and get you a unique paper.

Please check your inbox.

We can write you a custom essay that will follow your exact instructions and meet the deadlines. Let's fix your grades together!

Get Your Personalized Essay in 3 Hours or Less!

We use cookies to personalyze your web-site experience. By continuing we’ll assume you board with our cookie policy .

• Instructions Followed To The Letter
• Deadlines Met At Every Stage
• Unique And Plagiarism Free