John Proctor Change In The Crucible

In the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a hysteria of witchcraft that sweeps across Massachusetts changes the citizens of Salem, transforming some into monsters and helping others to realize their mistakes. Miller’s description of the character John Proctor at the start of The Crucible seems to describe another person as his change becomes more prevalent throughout the play. Proctor is at first consumed with guilt and despair, but he comes to find pride in his name, and he will hold on to the meaning he has finally found in his life for the short time he can. Proctor’s entrance to the play begins with an introduction of his personality that states his appearance as that of a man with strength and admiration. Beneath the powerful impression,
Miller explains, there lies sin and guilt. Proctor is respected in Salem, and in his “presence a fool [feels] his foolishness instantly,” (Miller 1138) so he is seemingly confident and free of corruption. However, his affair with Abigail affects his relationship with his wife, Elizabeth, greatly, but his love for her remains strong, which further contributes to his troubles. Because Elizabeth can no longer trust him, he constantly tries to show his love, but their awkward conversations prove there is a distance between them that is hard to eliminate. To make it even more difficult for him, Abigail continues to try and lure him in and criticize Elizabeth for Proctor’s denial of their affair. Once Abigail begins accusing people of witchcraft, she aims for Elizabeth who is taken to jail.