An analysis of The Crucible. It analyzes the possibility of John Proctor being a tragic hero.

Essay by NorthCnynGuyHigh School, 11th gradeA, December 2002

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Tragic, Hero, or in Between

A tragic hero can be defined as one who is a stature of society, battles for issues, beliefs, events of great consequences, dies or suffers complete loss in other ways due to this battle, has a tragic flaw that, in part, causes his downfall, but in the end, is found to be worthy. Tragic heroes are found in most people of literature. In the playwright, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, John Proctor is portrayed as the tragic hero. John Proctor demonstrates all the properties necessary to be considered a tragic hero.

John Proctor can be regarded as a tragic hero. John is a person of significant stature in Salem. "In Proctor's presence a fool felt his foolishness instantly..." (175. 1.). This statement gives a little insight as to the presence Proctor has in the town. Proctor is constantly fighting for his beliefs in the playwright.

" These are my friends. Their wives are also accused..." (212. 3.). This act to refuse Judge Danforth's ultimatum is an example of Proctor's selflessness and demonstrates his responsibility to society. Proctor also says "But who tells us Rebecca Nurse murdered seven babies by sending out her spirit on them? It is the children only, and this one will swear she lied to you." This statement leads to an event of great consequence, as he has now accused the girls of lying and they will turn on Mary Warren, who will condemn Proctor. John Proctor battles for his beliefs and ideas in the playwright.

As a tragic hero, Proctor must have a tragic flaw. Proctor's tragic flaw, in a way, is his sarcasm. " I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours Danforth!..." (227. 3.). Proctor unintentionally condemns himself...