John is complicated and an interesting character. Many heroes usually have a ‘fatal flaw’ and John is no exception. Althoug he dies for this, Elizabeth said to Hale “he have his goodness now” because he has died a man with a good and clean reputation again.Ī few people have alluded to the fact that John isn’t good or evil, but just human. Part of this is because Elizabeth forgives him and John feels like he can do the right thing. He refuses to honour his written confession and decides to throw it out. Proctor’s pride and fear of the public’s response kept him from announcing his affair before, but he announces it in Act 5.He then realizes that his own confession as a witch has helped to perpetuate the cycle of hysteria that is Salem.

Proctor confesses as a witch and is arrested.John uses Mary Warren’s false testimony to say that Abigail is a liar and a whore without confessing his adultery.Of course, John’s affair with Abigail set the whole witch craft affair in to motion… On the other hand, John is still worried about his name and reputation being ‘blackened.’ When Elizabeth’s name is dragged through the mud (she gets accused of being a witch) John gets up in arms.Consider the cause of his relationship problems as a reason for this… after all, people in glass houses shouldn’t throw stones! He stays under the radar during Acts 1 and 2. He is disgusted with hysteria that has overcome Salem. We meet John in the first act of the play.The play’s moral compass and tragic hero.

John proctor the crucible download free