The Crucible John Proctor Death Analysis

Over 200 people were accused of witchcraft between 1962 and 1963 in the town of Salem. A dark time built upon the circle of lies that commenced from teenage girls searching for entertainment in an authoritarian Puritan society. One of those innocently accused and then later hanged was the tragic hero John Proctor. Proctor was a simple farmer who unjustly was brought into this circle because of his past. This is why Abigail Williams is most responsible for John Proctors death. To begin with, Abigail’s lust for her ex-employer led to the beginning of the witch trials in Salem. In the beginning of The Crucible, Abigail and some girls from the town are discovered dancing in the woods, which is a forbidden act in the Puritan society. It is then

Proctor’s death. Reverend Parris and John Proctor had a grudge between them that was very well known throughout the town. For example, when Proctor enters the court Reverend Parris says, “Beware this man, Your Excellency, this man is mischief” (Miller 88). Parris knew from the very beginning that the girls were lying about the witch accusations. If this information had been mentioned to the court, hundreds of lives could have been spared from the noose. On the other hand, Reverend Parris was not the one to accuse John Proctor of witchcraft. In fact, Parris attempted to save Proctor by telling him to confess to witchcraft later in his prison cell. When speaking with Elizabeth he hopefully says, “You’ll strive with him?” when she is told to convince John to confess (Miller 133). Parris is not the character who is most responsible for John Proctor’s death because he attempted to save Proctor even if it was only to secure his reputation. In conclusion, Mary Warren and Reverend Parris both played small roles in the death of John Proctor, however, none compares to the role Abigail Williams was part of. Abigail both started the witch trials in Salem and stood at the center of the accusations. Her involvement alone brought the demise of many innocent people including John Proctor who was willing to sacrifice his dignity to save those wrongly accused. This is why Abigail Williams is most responsible for John Proctor’s