Christian Response to John Proctor and The Crucible

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The Crucible

John Proctor is the protagonist in The Crucible. He becomes the person who fights for what is right. As the story goes on, the secrets of Proctor are revealed, and it is discovered that he committed adultery with Abigail Williams. In prison, before he is hanged, Proctor asks, “Who will judge me? God in Heaven, what is John Proctor, what is John Proctor?” John Proctor was a confused soul who discovered what he truly believed, and did not disobey what he decided to believe.

As the play starts off, and John Proctor is introduced, it becomes know that he committed adultery with Abigail, the antagonist of the play. At this point, the play tells that John has gone against his own values by committing adultery, as well as the town’s values. He starts off seeming as though he is a very confused man and does not know what to think about his relationship with Abigail. “Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again.” (22). This is showing how he still likes her, but he feels he cannot commit adultery with her again.

Nearing the end of The Crucible John Proctors position on his relationship has changed a good deal. He has realized how evil Abigail really is, and he has rejected their relationship. But now he must decide if he will lie about being a witch or not, and is questioning his wife on what to do. “Would you give them such a lie? Say it. Would you ever give them this? You would not, if tongs of fire were singeing you you would not! It is evil. Good, then it is evil, and I do it!” (128). At this point Proctor is unsure as to his position on whether or not he will lie an say he is a witch. Proctor’s values are being questioned. Will he lie and save his life, or die and tell the truth? On this question hinges the values and beliefs of John Proctor.

As the play continues, John is still in prison, but is now signing the paper confessing he is a witch. Doing this will save his life, but it will be a lie. After he has signed this he realizes that this is horrible decision to make.

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