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Jailene Rayo Mrs. Tyree English II, Per.3 15 December 2013 True Hero Throughout Arthur Millers The Crucible it is made apparent that a farmer by the name of John Proctor is made a tragic hero. Proctor is a strong man of God whom has an honest attitude. His strong faith in God is contradicted with his secret love affair, as well as his lying tactics. John proctor is made tragic hero after he redeems himself, so there would be peace. Proctor showed his care of his wife Elizabeth as well as his strong Christian morals throughout the play in his defense of others. John claims, I will cut off my hand before Ill ever reach for you again. (Act III, Line 456.) John has the opportunity to continue to be lustful with Abigail but then denies her. He showed that he is regretful of the affair and does not want to have anything to do with Abigail anymore. Proctor showed his moral standing when he said, I have three children-how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends? (Act I, Line 132.) John believes that no real man should betray his friends good name. He coheres to his own reputation for reliability and truthfulness known all through the community. Proctor portrays to the public an honest and reliable man whose priority is his family. John Proctors seemingly perfect life is put to shame when he confesses his affair with Abigail and his confrontation with the devil. He tells the courtroom, I have known her, sir. I have known her. (Act III, line 435.) His confession to the affair with Abigail finally makes him out to be a villain to the community. This confession, although horrid, makes Proctor a noble man for he now has no guilt left with him. He then tells the court, I hear the boot of Lucifer, I

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see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! (Act III, line 596-601.) Proctor lies and worse, confesses to coming into contact with the devil. He goes against the will of God and self-inflicts himself with punishment he believes he deserves for all the sins he has committed; death. The truths of adultery and lie of coming in contact with Lucifer make Proctor an antagonist in the playwright. Proctors final heroic act is best seen when he finally denies the devil and sees the good within himself. Danforth states, Which way do you go, Mister? His breast heaving, his eyes staring, Proctor tears the paper and crumples it. (IV.281-294.) Proctor crumples the testimony that claims he has in truth come in contact with the devil. He redeems himself for now he has put his Christian morals in front of the communitys priorities. "I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs" (Act IV, line 298.)This statement made by John Proctor himself, showed he finally saw good within himself. He has found the amity within him and is now at ease with himself. These final acts show that the good within him triumphs the horrible secrets he previously confessed to. John Proctors honest attitude is shown throughout the playwright The Crucible where he is portrayed to be a tragic hero. Proctors affair, and contact with the devil contradict with his faithful marriage and strong faith in God which in the end make him a tragic hero.