Mireles 1 Kamren Mireles Mrs. Tyree English III, Per.

6 5 December 2013 A Tragic Hero Fighting for Redemption A tragic hero is someone recognized to be a man of his word and his actions. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, describes the witch trials that occurred in Salem. Proctor is a farmer who lived in Salem during the trails. Proctor committed a sin which disrupted his life, causing a life and death situation for his family. John Proctor was known to be honorable, which was lost when he committed adultery, but striving to gain forgiveness he left a legacy. Proctor possesses traits that are considered honorable. Proctor would let no man or women talk badly about his wife, Elizabeth, which is proven when he stated, [y]oull speak nothin of Elizabeth! (Act I, ll. 458-459). This shows that Proctor did not want Elizabeth to be known as a bad person. This is important because Proctors intense love for Elizabeth would not allow people to disrespect her. Proctor showed his respect towards the law when he says, [w]e vote by name in the society, not by acreage (Act I, l. 576).This shows he believes in Gods plan of equality for all. This is important because during all the chaos he remained fair. John Proctor was a good man that lived by the law and wanted no conflict with the world around him. However, he committed an action that led to his downfall. Proctor committed the sin of adultery, which was his devastating downfall. Abigail speaks as though she and John Proctor had met many times secretly when she says, John-I am waitin for you every night (Act I, l. 415).This shows that Proctor had sneaked to her house in the middle of the night to see her. This is important because this affair is Proctors downfall, but due to the

Mireles 2 fact that he committed adultery makes his offense worse. Abigail tells of Proctors sin when she states, I have seen you looking up, burning in your loneliness (Act I, ll. 436-437). This shows that John Proctor was not satisfied with his wife. This is significant because it led to him having the affair with Abigail. Proctor was not always the greatest man he was said to be. Although he had a tragic flaw, redemption could still be achieved. Proctor restored his relationship with Elizabeth and God, which meant he had gained full redemption. Proctor proved he loved his wife and wanted her to forgive him when he states, I would have your forgiveness, Elizabeth. (Act IV, l. 490).This demonstrates Proctors will to redeem himself with his wife. This is important because he did anything to gain his wifes love back. Elizabeth does not interfere when Proctor is being taken away because she believed he was redeemed when she says, [h]e have his goodness now[,] God forbid I take it from him! (Act IV, ll. 782-783). This shows he wanted forgiveness from God as well. This is important because he believed the final judgment was from God. Proctor strive for mercy and in gaining redemption, he left a legacy. Proctor had many good traits, but was engrossed with sins so in the end he strived for redemption. John Proctor was a respected man, but committing a severe sin resulted in a struggle for him to gain redemption. John Proctor believed God would always make the final decision, which left a legacy that helped end the Salem Witch Trials.