Consider how the hysteria has spread, and who is responsible. In spite of the petitions and testimonies from friends, both John and Elizabeth were found guilty, and were sentenced to death on August 5, 1692. Yet he took this risk upon himself in order to not only clear his wifes name, but also to bring justice to all of those whom the girls have cried out against. Why is the play called The Crucible? In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, John Proctor, a proud and frustrated farmer of Salem, chooses to die rather than to give a false confession to witchcraft. Although John Proctors affair with Abigail is somewhat linked to his fate of being convicted of witchcraft, it is clear that Proctors accusation has a greater underlying cause: his character. What is a crucible? Catton contrasts the two generals' backgrounds, Kings of ancient India have also tried to protecte the environment in their kingdom. In a sense, The Crucible has the structure of a classical tragedy, with John Proctor as the plays tragic hero. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% He wants the court to understand maybe there's something else going on than just witchcraft, that's what he believes at least. Proctor is a firm believer in the fact that ones name is the only thing that remains after death, and what is done with it while living can affect ones posterity for generations. John Proctor is a farmer that lives in Salem. But when Danforth asks Elizabeth, Is your husband a lecher? she responds, No, sir. Elizabeth, who John describes as never having lied, lies in this instance to protect Johns reputation. Another definition is that a crucible is a time or trial of great severity, in which different elements react and something new is formed. During the trials, many individuals were unfairly persecuted; such as John Proctor. John Proctor refuses to sign a confession that he served the devil by practicing witchcraft because it is a lie. Analyzes how arthur miller's play, the crucible, portrays john proctor as a puritan, husband, and highly respected man. By refusing to lie and confess to witchcraft, he sacrifices his life in the name of truth. How Does Arthur Miller Present Death In The Crucible. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Once shes decided to confess to something she didnt do, Tituba indulges the fullness of her fantasy, which ironically makes her confession seem very convincing in its detail and anger. This being the case, Parris tries ever harder to convince the court that Proctor had a malicious intent, and Parriss eventual success is what caused Marys accusation of Proctor. After Reverend Parris finds Abigail, Betty Parris, and some other girls dancing in the woods, Betty becomes unresponsive. Literature and Composition: Reading, Writing,Thinking, Carol Jago, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses, The Language of Composition: Reading, Writing, Rhetoric, Lawrence Scanlon, Renee H. Shea, Robin Dissin Aufses. He spends time with her in the first act, and is kind to her, although he also makes it clear that he is not going to resume their affair. Hale does have a pretty good point. It's a bigger deal for him if he came out and said this is all a lie because he is the judge, everyone would turn on him and would be angry at him. Abigail is smart, wily, a good liar, and vindictive when crossed. 4 Why do you think Miller decided to end the play with Proctors death? His critical mind and intelligence save him from falling into blind fervor. | Why does Miller end the play with proctors refusal? A+ Student Essay: The Role of Sex & Sexual Repression in the Play, Arthur Miller and The Crucible Background. Her illness and that of Ruth Putnam fuel the first rumors of witchcraft. Abigail went along with the girls as a way out of the trouble she was in with her uncle. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He was not only a person to be From the 1950s to 1960s, California migrant farm workers experienced difficult times, facing unfair working conditions in the fields and discriminated against whiteAmericans. 2 Why does Elizabeth refuse to influence Johns decision whether or not to confess? Arthur Miller's The Crucible aims to place characters in such difficult positions that they begin to consider death, just as Hamlet did before ultimately realizing "conscience makes cowards of us all.". Let us know your assignment type and we'll make sure to get you exactly the kind of answer you need. The audience cannot help but. At the end Abby is always involved some way or another. Plenty of people did sign false confessions, in which they were required to name others that they saw with the Devil. Youve successfully purchased a group discount. the people of Andover rose up and brought an end to the witch trials. Please wait while we process your payment. That makes total sense to a Puritan. 2023 Shmoop University Inc | All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Legal. [Betty] took fright, is all.. It is clear that Proctor does not absent-mindedly conform to Puritan traditions, and he even overtly denounces the minister of the church, which explains why the Christian character of his household would come under suspicion. Tituba falsely confessed to save herself from being beaten to death, and the girls went along with her confession, making up new lies. However, Hale is doubtful that Proctor is as devoted a Christian as he claims to be, because he is rarely in church, and he has not had his youngest son baptized. Explain thoroughly. This play is about judgment. Why didnt more people sign false confessions that they were witches to save their lives? He still wants to save his name, but for personal and religious, rather than public, reasons. Choose your writer among 300 professionals! However, this suspicion is not a direct result of Proctors affair, but it is called to the attention of the courts because of Proctors slightly atypical lifestyle that results from his beliefs. An elderly but feisty farmer in Salem, famous for his tendency to file lawsuits. early 1950s political hearing held before court for witch hunt - Miller didn't reveal named of other who "suspected Communism" because didn't want to harm friends - Miller was branded "un-American" and was blacklisted meaning that he could never get a job 1950s When John confesses to being guilty, Deputy Governor Danforth pressures John to name other people who might have sided with the devil. At this point, the only thing John has left is the ability to make the moral decision and to uphold the integrity of his name, both in the eyes of God and the good people of Salem. Because, The Foolish Death of John Proctor in The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John Proctor's Death as Foolish in The Crucible. Elizabeth is supremely virtuous, but often cold. Proctor decides to tell the truth and not lie to himself because he now understands the meaning of a good reputation. of Reverend Hale, Act I: The entrance of Reverend Hale to the closing These cookies track visitors across websites and collect information to provide customized ads. Miller uses The Crucible to express his own views on what was happening in America at the time-McCarthyism was at a prominence. One definition of a crucible is a vessel, often ceramic or porcelain, used for melting down and purifying metal. How do you I stop my TV from turning off at a time dish? Explain why he cannot see the truth. I have no tongue for it. So by doing so he answers part of the question What is John Proctor by coming forth on his own view of himself. She hates John Parris, who was cruel to her, and she uses her confession to scare him by telling him that the Devil told her Mr. One of which includes John Proctor, main character farmer in mid-30s, from Arthur Miller 's play, The Crucible. if Abigail had not lied about it the whole situation would be cleared up, maybe even the witch trial outbreaks would be done with. Why Do Cross Country Runners Have Skinny Legs? John Proctor is a good man despite anything others may say about him. Why is Reverend Hale questioning Danforth and the courts, Hale thinks it was all fake, there isn't enough evidence for witchcraft in this case to him. Rather, it stems from his moral opposition to the courts proceedings, which comes from his virtue and boldness; another contributing factor is that Proctor is widely respected in Salem, which makes his dissent to the courts even more problematic. Many of the townsfolk, especially John Proctor, dislike him, and Parris is very concerned with building his position in the community. When Proctor is asked to explain why he decides to tell the truth he replies, Because it is my name!How may I live without. Why doesnt Elizabeth Proctor beg John to sign the confession? Essay, Qualities that Made Cesar Chavez an Effective Leader Essay, The Similarities and Differences Between Rosa Parks and Emmeline Pankhurst Essay, Rhetorical Devices Used in Abigail Adams' Letter to John Adams Essay. Abbigail, who is partner of Proctor's adultery, entraps as a witch because he never thinks about Abby. I have given you my soul; leave me my name! Explain. Act I: Opening Scene to the Entrance of John Proctor, Act I: The Entrance of John Proctor to the Entrance of Reverend Hale, Act I: The Entrance of Reverend Hale to the Closing Scene, Historical Context Essay: Arthur Miller and the Red Scare, Literary Context Essay: Political Theater and the Play. In response to Parriss complaints, John Proctor observes, Mr. He wants us (the reader or audience) to recall these events as we would a common sound in nature, since they are a part of our common humanity. it is a vanity that will not blind God he says when referring to the potential hazards of choosing not to confess), while his preoccupation with his posthumous reputation (my name I cannot sign he says when he decides to confess but realizes that his name will be forever maligned owing to his false confession being publicly known) shows a man who is looking ahead, to the future, not someone who has lost all hope and has withdrawn from, John Proctor is caught in an obvious dilemma between his own moral principles and extrinsic honor as soon as the curtain rises. . Why does Elizabeth refuse to influence Johns decision whether to confess? But when John mentions to Abigailwith whom he had an affairthe towns belief that witchcraft is involved, she responds, Oh, posh! Giles's wife, Martha, is accused of witchcraft, and he himself is eventually held in contempt of court and pressed to death with large stones. Please think critically and go beyond the obvious answer of "to make the play more dramatic/appealing.". At the end of the play, Proctor has in some way regained his goodness. With two children and a pregnant wife, Proctor has plenty of reasons to continue living. Why does Elizabeth say he have his goodness now God forbid I take it from him as Proctor is led to the gallows? You'll be billed after your free trial ends. At first, he felt no shame in lying to the court about his accusation of witchcraft because he felt there was no more damage he could do to his reputation and that one more sin would not make any difference. In actuality, he stood mute when he was asked the customary question of whether he would accept a trial by a jury . The Puritan judges have forced Proctor into an impossible and paradoxical situation: If he lies and "confesses" to being a witch, his life will be spared. Because he knows he did nothing wrong in his life but he is accused and no one wants to believe him. A thin shadow of a shade. John Proctor perfectly fits the mold of a tragic hero because he harbors all the qualities of a tragic hero such as hamartia, catharsis, peripeteia, and is noble. Do Men Still Wear Button Holes At Weddings? They did an even better job of tricking us into thinking we were going to lose about five characters. Renews March 10, 2023 The minister of Salem's church. He means that they have taken everything else, but to leave him his name. Get Annual Plans at a discount when you buy 2 or more! 2022 - 2023 Times Mojo - All Rights Reserved for a group? This is because, for the first time in her life, she's now the center of attention. neighbors suddenly turn on each other and accuse people they've known for years of practicing witchcraft and devil-worship. Although he lived and died in the seventeenth century his example is timeless as we are faced with situations similar to, as his beliefs. He comes to realize that his fate is his own fault. Accessed 4 Mar. On August 19, 1692, John was executed. What Elizabeth means is that her husband, John Proctor, has finally achieved redemption, and she will not take that away from him by asking him to confess to practicing witchcraft in order to save his life. At the end of the play, Proctor has in some way regained his goodness. It is so serious that John represses his sin. He wants to be courageous like Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey. After the dramatic events of Act IV, Miller closes the play with Proctor choosing to be put to death in order to preserve his good name. When Reverend Hale visits Elizabeth and John after Elizabeths name was mentioned in court, Proctor says he has no fear of questions as to the Christian character of his home. He chooses to die. Miller writes:HALE: Woman, plead with him! If you need this sample, insert an email and we'll deliver it to you. Giles Corey's third wife. He knew he could not teach his sons . The audience knows that Proctor is not a witch, so they are left to consider the reasons for which Proctorout of so many others in Salem who were not accusedis convicted of witchcraft. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? Even with adversaries, he is slow to anger. timid young girl into a much more confident, assertive character. The reason Proctor does not wish to have his youngest son baptized is because he sees no light of God in [Parris] (65). Miller manipulated John Proctors sin to be the foundation of subsequent events, because he was aware that readers might expect, The only way John Proctor can save himself is by falsely confessing to being involved with witchcraft; however, he does not confess. Why do you think Miller decided to end the play with Proctor's death? SparkNotes Plus subscription is $4.99/month or $24.99/year as selected above. creating and saving your own notes as you read. It isnt until Elizabeth forgives him and admits her own faults that John Proctor is able to forgive himself. It not only leads to his demise, but to the loss of many innocent lives as well. Abigail definitely wanted to believe Tituba could come up with a spell to kill Elizabeth, but Tituba most likely didnt believe in her own spells. EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Limited Or Anthology Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Supporting Actor In A Comedy Series, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actress In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie, EMMY NOMINATIONS 2022: Outstanding Lead Actor In A Limited Or Anthology Series Or Movie. Purchasing Hathorne responds, How could you think you saw them unless you saw them? To combat Marys revelation, Abigail stirs up the other girls to act as though Mary is trying to bewitch them. She decides that Rebecca Nurse is responsible because Ruth, Mrs. Putnams daughter, accused Rebeccas spirit of tempting her to iniquity. The Putnam family may also be looking to punish Rebecca Nurse because of a land dispute they have with her husband, Francis. Proctor has the choice between life and death on pen and paper, to sign his name means life, to refuse means death. It is pride, it is vanity. This is situational irony, We would expect him to be able to state Adultery since it is the sin he recently committed. The Putnams' lone surviving child out of eight. Proctor even forfeits his own good name and admits to the sin of lechery in order to achieve justice for those who are condemned.