Essay On The Anti-Hero In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

The Anti-hero in The Crucible

A hero is defined as "someone admired for his bravery, great deeds or noble qualities". There are three categories to which all heroes can be classified into, one of which is the anti-hero genre.

An anti-hero has the role of a hero thrust upon them. They do not particularly want to be brave or noble but their actions lead them to be a hero. Facing difficult decisions and doubt are also classic traits of an anti-hero. They often lack confidence in themselves, refuse to accept their fate as a hero or don't even realise their status or ability. At a certain point, anti-heroes usually transcend into either a tragic or romantic hero. Anti-heroes can be identified in many different texts, however, all of them

He knows that one of them must die, and the Oracle has told him that it will be up to him which one it is. Therefore, when he enters the Matrix he makes that choice, and knowingly goes to sacrifice himself for the sake of mankind. However, it is now that he is starting to believe in himself, and he also believes that he can bring Morpheus back. It is at this point that he starts to transcend into the romantic hero, he starts to believe in himself and to realise the truth. He sheds his old identity, Thomas Anderson and embraces his new one with the famous "My name is Neo."

Similarly, in 'Buffy the Vampire slayer' (the movie), the anti-hero also transitions to a romantic hero. In this case, the hero is Buffy herself. A stereotypical teenage American bimbo who later on admits, "I didn't even think about anything", Buffy is tracked down my Merrick and told she is "the one"- the next slayer, chosen to battle the head vampire, Lothos. Like Anderson from The Matrix, Buffy is bewildered and does not fully comprehend how important she is. She sarcastically jokes

"Let me get this straight- you're saying that I have to go to the graveyard with you because I'm the chosen one and there are vampires? Pfft! Does Elvis talk to

The Crucible is in the format of a play. John Proctor is established as the hero through the use of Miller's contrast in characters. Upon his introduction, Proctor seems to be the only calm, sensible and logical character among the rising hysteria of Abigail's threats, Parris' damnations and babble of the Putnam's. Proctor is easily set apart from the other characters and the beginning of the play due to the obvious differences in character. Miller also builds up the climax throughout the book by making the conversations very quick paced and intense. The Matrix relies heavily on the technique of symbolism. It is used frequently throughout the film implying both vital and obscure things. For example, the use of sunglasses. They indicated a characters strength and vulnerability. Or the doors representing the choices in Neo's life, the signs strategically placed throughout the film or even Neo's name being an anagram of the word "one". In Buffy, the film style is stereotypical and over exaggerated. The blonde bimbo cheerleader who faces the evil vampire with the black cape and fangs. The dialogue sounding somewhat like "that was so 5 minutes ago" and "oh, get out of my facial". Perhaps the stereotypical settings are used to make a clear contrast with Buffy when she begins to accept her true identity. She drops the bimbo attitude and takes life more seriously,