The Crucible And John Proctor's Decisions

The mark of an effective story is the presence of a prominent protagonist, along with his antithetical antagonist. A paramount example of this opposition occurs in Arthur Miller’s famous work, The Crucible. The protagonist, John Proctor, faces many crises against not just the evil antagonist, Abigail Williams, but against himself as well. As evident, Proctor was exposed to omnipresent disaccord, and therefore forced to decide his position. Would he remain loyal to his principles, or the contrary, cowering to the threat of a stained reputation, or worse—death? In The Crucible, Proctor’s true character is revealed as he faces the momentous decision of whether to be heroic and sacrificial, or its converse.

Towering above all in importance to Proctor was his upstanding reputation. Proctor was one of the most revered constituents of the town. As one might presume, one of Proctor’s decisions required him to break this record he held in high regard. One occurrence was his admission of lechery and adultery, committed with Abigail, to the Salem Court. He makes this known when—after Mary Warren revokes her statement on Elizabeth

Proctor, which would ruin Abigail—Abigail tries to divert the judge’s attention. Under intense pressure, Proctor retaliates, calling “Whore! Whore” (Miller 109)! Bewildered by this response, Abigail claims “he is lying” (Miller 110). To the astonishment of others, Proctor comes forth with the shocking truth that he had indeed “known her” (Miller 110). As he stands in utter disbelief, Judge Danforth demands that Elizabeth Proctor is brought from the prison to elucidate on the matter. Goodwife Proctor, attempting to be a “good wife” lies about her husband’s affair in order to preserve his public reputation. In this instance, Proctor appears to be quite sacrificial in his ways.
Another instance in which Proctor proves himself to be heroic is the arrest of his wife, Elizabeth. Cheever visits the Proctor house, uninvited, alongside Marshal Herrick with a warrant for the arrest of Elizabeth. For obvious reasons, Proctor objects to this bold proclamation, appearing confused, as indicated by his outcry to Hale, “You said she were not charged” (Miller 72). As a result of his opposition, he begins to physically resist Cheever, “pushing his arm away” (Miller 74), and “snatching the warrant out of [his] hands” (Miller 76). To Cheever’s dismay, Proctor destroys the warrant in a fit of rage and demands he leave. For the good of all, Elizabeth decides to submit and “go with them” (Miller 77), despite Proctor’s wishes. As demonstrated by his resistance—both physical and verbal—Proctor also takes the role of a stereotypical hero, attempting to “save” his wife from the nefarious Cheever.
The major decision of the novel occurs when Proctor is faced with the choice between life, and the abandonment of his morals, or death, with unwavering standards.

His sacrificial nature is once again proven when he opts for the latter, “mounting the gibbet like a saint” (Miller 133). Prior to that, he is asked to sign a statement of confession. He decides to opt against signing, proclaiming he would “blacken all of them” (Miller 143) that were to be “[hung] for their silence” (Miller 143). Despite the benefits of the easy way out, Proctor cited Elizabeth’s pregnancy in saying that he desired to be a good example for his children and “teach them to walk like men” (Miller 143). Elizabeth, in her abundant kindness, decided to support him in acquiring “his goodness” (Miller 145). Despite his longing for life, he desires his reputation until his

death.
Admittedly, one might assert that the lapse of character in which John almost falsely confessed to witchcraft demonstrates his true personality. Therefore, he would not be sacrificial, but rather selfish, the polar opposite. Nevertheless, by later retracting his statement, he reveals to the audience that his principles are still a principal part of his character. In addition, we see by his confession of adultery that he desires to maintain his morals, not his reputation.
Throughout the course of the story, Proctor is forced to make momentous decisions affecting him and others, as well as testing his ability to remain steadfast. Proctor is introduced as the “cream of the crop” of Puritan values—as far as anyone knew. As the story progresses, he makes occasional lapses and reveals certain Puritan faux pas, damaging his reputation. At the end, Proctor decides it is best for him to die for his principles. In essence, Proctor ultimately chose the option of being heroic and sacrificial, rather than the opposite.