Rebecca Nurse And John Proctor In The Crucible

Compare and Contrast the characters of Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor

In the play, The Crucible, the principle character of John Proctor has a lot in common with Rebecca Nurse, a supporting character. Each, in their own rights, are rather different. John, being a character whose flaws are broadcasted through the entire production. Then, Rebecca, a character whom is seen as angelic with no flaws. Throughout the story comparisons happen between both characters.

Rebecca Nurse is known as being a woman of good character, honesty, and moral integrity. She is a nurturing soul, as seen when she tries to comfort the sick during Act One(Miller, 1141). She exhibits compassion throughout the play. As the prisoners are led to the gallows, Rebecca stumbles. When John Proctor catches her and helps her to her feet, she is a bit embarrassed and says, “I’ve had no breakfast”(Miller, 1232). This line is so unlike any of the chaotic speeches of the male characters, or the forceful replies of the younger female

characters. Rebecca Nurse has much she could complain about. Anyone else in her situation would be with fearful, sorrowful, confused, and outraged against the evils of society. Yet, Rebecca Nurse merely blames her faltering as a lack of breakfast. Even to the end, she exhibits not a trace of bitterness. Of all the characters from The Crucible, Rebecca Nurse is the most benevolent.
Both Rebecca and John have similar traits in their own rights.

Both of them show their moral superiority though their actions. When Rebecca was convicted of witchcraft, she refuses to bear false witness against herself and others. She would rather hang than lie. John feels as though if he hangs he’ll return his goodness so he refuses confession as well(Miller, 1231). Rebecca comforts John Proctor as they are both led to the gallows. “Let you fear nothing! Another judgment waits us all”(Miller, 1232). Both show their strength through different ways, John Proctor’s strength is in his manliness which adds to the perception of a strong and truthful character. Rebecca Nurse is not physically strong, but her strength lies in Character as of goodness, caring and truth. They both share pride of their prior reputation, Rebecca of being a landowner and John from making a living for himself. The two tragic characters also share the fact that their highly respected in their own

rights.
John Proctor is a more conflicted than Rebecca and a bit more flawed due to his affair with Abigail. However, overlooking that mistake, John is also generally honest. He is brave enough to admit that he has never trusted Reverend Parris' judgment or intentions. Swayed by Rebecca’s decision, John also refuses to sign the confession that would have saved his life. Proctor is considered a complex since his personality contains an ironic blend of pride and self-loathing. On the one hand, he takes pride in his farm and his community. On the other he hates himself for his sins against his wife that he refuses to let go public.There are moments when his anger and disgust towards himself burst forth, such as in the climactic moment when he exclaims to Judge Danforth: "I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours"(Miller, 1213). John Proctor speaks his mind when he recognizes injustice slightly similarly to Rebecca Nurse. Throughout the play, he openly disagrees with the actions of Reverend Parris, a choice that leads to his execution. John Proctor is a kind man, in many ways. In Act One, the audience first sees him entering the Parris household to check on the health of the reverend's ill daughter(Miller, 1138-1139).
In conclusion, each character has their personalities. John Proctor, being a strong willed prideful man. While Rebecca Nurse is a smart respected woman. However each still have their similarities. Both giving their lives to prove a point.