In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, John Proctor's death can be seen as unavoidable due to his own moral choices and the social circumstances surrounding him. While it may not align precisely with the Greek concept of inevitable fate, Miller does adapt the idea of fate to create a situation where Proctor's demise becomes seemingly inescapable.
Firstly, Proctor's death is rooted in his own actions and decisions. He is initially reluctant to become involved in the witch trials, but as the situation escalates and his wife is accused, he is driven to expose the truth. In his quest for justice, Proctor openly admits to committing adultery with Abigail Williams, which undermines his moral standing in the eyes of the Puritan society. Despite his sincere remorse and efforts to right his wrongs, his reputation and integrity are irreparably damaged.
Additionally, the social and political environment of the Salem witch trials exacerbates Proctor's fate. Theocracy and religious fanaticism reign in Salem, with powerful figures like Reverend Parris and Deputy Governor Danforth holding considerable influence over the course of events. As accusations and hysteria spread, Proctor finds himself trapped in a web of lies and betrayal. The court system, tainted by unfair trials and evidence that is inherently flawed, makes it nearly impossible for him to escape the predetermined outcome of death.
Furthermore, Proctor's eventual decision to confess his adultery and refuse to provide a false confession of witchcraft adds to the inevitability of his death. He chooses to prioritize his integrity and refuses to compromise his beliefs, even though he knows it will result in his execution. This shows that Proctor's death is not solely the product of external forces, but also a consequence of his unwavering principles and refusal to conform to an oppressive system.
In this way, Miller crafts a narrative where Proctor's death becomes an inescapable outcome due to the interplay of his own actions, the social context of Salem, and the personal choices he makes. While it may not align precisely with the Greek concept of fate, the play explores themes of moral agency and the consequences of one's choices, ultimately leading to a situation where Proctor's death is perceived as inevitable.
Obviously, in The Crucible we are not dealing with "fate" as the Greeks understood it. But in what way is John Proctor's death unavoidable? How does Arthur Miller adapt the idea of "fate" and create a situation from which there was no escape?
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