Question

What are John Proctor's greatest strengths and weaknesses as a character? Explain whether or not he ever redeems himself as a "good man" and provide an explanation of how his character relates to the time of McCarthyism in the 1950's in America. Use specific actions and dialogue of his to support your answer.

Answer 1

This question is about "the crucible".

John Proctor is a complex and layered character. He is extremely important to the plot and is one of the main characters. Like any complex character, Proctor has positive and negative points that govern his entire plot.

Among Proctor's negative points we can mention his concern with the appearance and his status. This is because in order not to lose the fame of a correct man, of judgment and of goodness, Proctor allows Abigail to create a plot of lies that leads countless people to suffer and causes an extreme stasis in the city. As a positive point we can mention his ability to reflect and take the blame for his mistakes, even after a great deal of damage had been done.

This positive point made Proctor redeem himself at a certain point in the narrative when he assumes his dishonesty in a public confession and brings a little peace to the region, even if it means his end.

Proctor has a very strong connection with a philosophy called McCarthyism that was very influential in 1950. McCarthyism is characterized as a period in which it was common and even encouraged to accuse people who were considered traitors to the capitalist system. This is related to Proctor, because Abigail started a series of accusations, as a way to punish Proctor for his actions.