John Proctor can indeed be defined as a tragic hero because his downfall is primarily caused by a flaw or weakness within himself, rather than external factors. In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Proctor's tragic flaw is his pride or stubbornness, which ultimately leads to his downfall.
Proctor's pride is evident in his reluctance to confess to the false charges of witchcraft, even though doing so would save his life. He cannot bear the idea of tarnishing his name and damaging his reputation in the community. Despite knowing that the trials are based on falsehoods, Proctor holds onto his integrity and refuses to participate in the unjust proceedings. This prideful stubbornness becomes the catalyst for his downfall.
Furthermore, Proctor's affair with Abigail Williams exhibits another aspect of his tragic flaw. His guilt and shame over the affair prevent him from openly defending his wife, Elizabeth Proctor, when she is accused of witchcraft. Proctor's internal struggle between his love for his wife and his own prideful desire to maintain his good name hinders his ability to fully support Elizabeth and results in the deterioration of their relationship.
Ultimately, Proctor's tragic flaw contributes to his demise as he chooses to prioritize his integrity and personal pride over preserving his life. He refuses to falsely confess to witchcraft, even though it would allow him to escape execution. Proctor's internal struggle and tragic flaw lead him to choose death as a means of preserving his integrity, making him a classic example of a tragic hero.
In conclusion, John Proctor meets the characteristics of a tragic hero because his downfall is primarily caused by a flaw within himself rather than by external factors. His pride and stubbornness, which lead to his reluctance to confess and his inability to fully support his wife, contribute to his tragic fate in "The Crucible."
QUESTION O John Proctor can be defined as a tragic hero because his downfall is caused by a weakness within himself and not by external factors.
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