John Proctor is a man of two faces. On one side, you see a man living in a puritan-like lifestyle. A man with a loving wife and good, honest opinions, even if they don’t agree with many people of the town he lives in with. A Hero. On the other hand, you can see an adulterer, a sinner. A stooge.
John, the hero, is quite a character because he with his strong opinions knows when to stop and see when something isn’t quite right. Like Reverend Parris, who preaches only of the ways you can be condemned to hell and damnation, John says to his face that he doesn’t agree with his teachings and is against the Reverend. Even when many of the townspeople believe witchcraft is among them and some accuse others of witchery, especially in the case Betty Parris. The Reverend and Mr. & Mrs. Putnam believe that she is under the spell or CURSE of witchcraft. Now John doesn’t stand for this and believes that she is just going through a phase or that there is some logical explanation for her behavior. He isn’t afraid to stand up for his beliefs and know when something isn’t right. 
John, the stooge, can be seen during his time with Abigail. He had affair with Abigail when she worked at his house. When their relationship was found out, it was by his wife, Goody Proctor, soon after threw Abigail out. At this time, only the Proctors and Abigail know. Something John does that is stooge-worthy is he leaving Abigail with the thought he still cared for her, even though he completely rejects her while she tries to get him back. It may be true feelings, but to say this to an unstable girl madly in love with you was mad in itself. This eventually leads to Abigail accusing Goody Proctor of witchcraft, so that she can take her place as John’s wife. The Hero or the Stooge, personally I think he is a hero. I mean he stands up for what he believes in and holds true to them. Also he tries to make good out of what he did wrong. Hence the affair with Abigail and trying to stop those crazy feelings for her. It takes a strong man to do what he does and thats what makes him a. . .
. HERO .
I agree with most of it. I agree he stands up for what he believes in, because that's just how his charactor is portraited. But with the whole thing with Betty, I think he had some idea that she and Abby were faking, so it might not have been as hard to speak out. I don't know, it's just that that act of independance on his part could have been actual knowledge of the truth, and that's a big part of the story, so hmmmmm, i'm not sure. But everything else I think is "spot on," haha...spot on...
ReplyDeleteI agree! Proctor is a hero. But, you also gave some interesting points about the times he is a stooge. He has had his fair share of stooge moments as well as hero ones. But, its how you end, not where you came from.
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