John Proctor, Hero or Stooge? (just a little something about mr. john proctor)
Thursday, September 30, 2010 by Chigo
There's a question that can be easily debated and can be greatly supported with evidence on both sides. Based on the title, you must have guessed it. John Proctor: Hero or Stooge?
On the other hand, a hero would be considered as a person of distinguished courage or ability, admired for his brave deeds and noble qualities. After reading Act I of the Crucible, John Proctor for the most part (as I interpreted) shows no signs of stooge-ness. On the contrary, many of his actions show maturity and Heroism.
After Abigail confronted John about their affair and stated "I am waitin’ for you every night." John replied "Abby, you’ll put it out of mind. I’ll not be comin’ for you more. You know me better." This shows the change in John. He realized that his relationship with Abigail was morally wrong and even though he did make the mistake of lusting for her and pursuing in sexual acts while married to Elizabeth, He tried to right his wrongs and end it with Abby. This is key in the decision of whether or not John Proctor would be considered a Hero or Stooge.
A hero is not always someone who has never done something wrong or someone who has never made a false move or mistake. A hero can be someone who has chosen to help others and himself (In this case, John's moral right was in some ways purified by this act. As well as, benefited Abigail whether she see it as a blessing or not).
Ending the affair with Abigail was a honorable act on John Proctor's part. It takes a true hero to understand where they have wronged, and identify the need for improvement. Thus, John Proctor is a true hero.
I concur! And how kind of you to define stooge for me :) Your definition of a hero is really insightful and true. I agree: John Proctor is a hero.
Wow. I completely agree with that a hero is not someone who has never done anything wrong, but rather someone who has chosen to help, whether themselves or others. John Proctor was a hero...no doubt about that.