the crucible- john proctor Flashcards
(7 cards)
“I have known her sir, I have known her”
This clearly shows the moment where Proctor openly confesses to his sin, an affair with Abigail Williams. he does this in the open court to try and expose Abigail for her lies and manipulation, currently, she is accusing Proctor’s wife. this shows proctors nobility and his longing for redemption as he is sacrificing his good name to save his wife from these false accusations.
“You have made your magic now, for now I do not believe I will be leaving”
This line occurs when Proctor is given the decision to either falsely confess to witchcraft and live a lie or refuse and face execution. The resignation from proctor is used to show his redemption and create sympathy; by refusing to sign, he is rejecting a life built on a lie. This shows that he would rather die than be part of the corruption now within Salem.
“with a cry of his whole soul”
These stage directions come in Act 4, during the pivotal moment where Proctor refuses to sign false confessions. Proctor’s decision to tear up and get emotional here is not just a casual one; it is the culmination of his moral journey from the whole play. This cry is from deep inside, and it clearly shows the immense distress he is in. this creates more sympathy for him as we can see how extremely unfair this whole situation is.
“He is a sinner”
This line comes in the overture and is the first impression we get of Proctor. Just as a sin is a significant moral failing that goes against religious beliefs, so too is this showing us that Proctor is far from perfect. this has already created a negative impression of him in our minds.
Conflict
Internal conflict is used at the beginning of the play to depict Proctor as a man burdened with guilt over his affair. this problem, which haunts him every day, has created a rift between him and his wife, Elizabeth. Proctor’s admission of guilt to the court, coupled with the fact that he never lets himself live down the affair, makes him more relatable. While he is far from perfect, his self-awareness of his short comings and moral failing creates sympathy for him as we begin to see that he genuinely is a good man who’s just made one mistake.
What is the first impression that we get of Proctor? and what is the quote?
a sinner- “He is a sinner”
“Because it is my name”
this shows Proctor fighting with himself about whether or not to confess to witchery and the lies that come with it since he does not want to ruin his reptation and name as that is all he has left.
