John Proctor’s Triumph Over Many Evils in The Crucible, a Play by Arthur Miller

There are many different types of evils presented throughout the play, The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The play's protagonist, John Proctor, ultimately triumphs over many of these evils internally by accepting and understanding his sins, by believing he is a good Puritan, and by refusing to confess to the theocratic government of Salem. These actions display a theme of intolerance and moral strength.

Proctor is presented as a flawed human being throughout the play. These flaws come from the sins he has committed during his lifetime. One of the biggest sins he has committed is his affair with Paris's niece, Abigail. Another one of these sins he has committed is his refusal to tell the court of Abigail's fraud immediately. He fully acknowledges these flaws when he says, "God knows how black my sins are! It is enough (Miller 142)!" In this scene he is refusing to allow Danforth to publicly post Proctor's signature in the door of the church by stressing how he already understands his mistakes in life and that God too is aware he is no perfect human being. These sins and evils have caused a great negative impact on the whole village of Salem, however he is still striving to be a good puritan and a good man.

Although Proctor is displayed with many flaws, he does have a sense of good and moral value inside of him. His status as a puritan is put to the test as he struggles to overcome the evils inside of him. Proctor claims, "I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man (Miller 136)." He is saying how he cannot go to the gallows and be hung because he is innocent. He doesn't want to get hung for something he did not do. He says it is fraud. This is very important as it shows he believes that he is a good man and that he is a true believer and a Puritan.

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At the same time Proctor feels lying and confessing is wrong and will go against all his religious Puritan beliefs about truth and the concept of "right or wrong". He supports this by saying, "You would not; if tongs of fire were singeing you you would not! It is evil. Good, then - it is evil, and I do it (Miller 138)!" He is claiming his act of confession goes against his goodness and his duties as a Puritan. This demonstrates a theme of reputation as Proctor definitely wants his reputation as a Puritan to hold true and strong.

The final action Proctor commits seals his triumph and makes him seen as a hero, despite his consequential demise. The moment when Proctor tears the document and begins weeping can be considered the "climax" of his triumph. His refusal to confess and acceptance of the consequences show that he refuses to lie and to damn himself. He values his Puritan beliefs and his goodness inside of him enough to sacrifice his opportunity and chance for a life with his family again.

He truly believes he is a good man when he yells passionately, "You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor (Miller 144)." He is pointing out that although he has committed terrible sins (such as lechery), he is amazed he still has some goodness inside of him. While Elizabeth, his wife, wants him to be alive she cannot "judge❞ him for choosing the path of what Proctor believes to be a good man.

In all essence, The Crucible portrays John Proctor as a man of goodness and grace. His change from a sinner to a true believer shapes his character throughout the play and ultimately causes his triumph in the end. Although Proctor dies at the end of the play, he triumphs as a victor to God and his own beliefs for being a "good man”.

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