A tragic hero is a character, usually the protagonist, who exhibits virtues and flaws which ultimately lead to their downfall. They typically hold a high social status, possess admirable qualities, and make a significant error in judgment or commit a tragic flaw that leads to their ultimate demise.
In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, the tragic hero is John Proctor. Proctor possesses several qualities that make him fit the definition of a tragic hero.
Firstly, Proctor is a respected farmer, devoted husband, and caring father, representing the idealized image of a hardworking, independent, and morally upright individual. He is well-respected in the community and holds a high social status, which is crucial for a tragic hero.
However, Proctor's tragic flaw is his pride and stubbornness. He commits adultery with Abigail Williams, the antagonistic young woman who sparks the witch trials in the town of Salem. Proctor's affair with Abigail leads him to question his own moral compass and spirals him into a state of guilt and shame.
When the witch trials begin, Proctor initially keeps his involvement with Abigail a secret, believing it would protect his reputation and relationship with his wife Elizabeth. However, as the situation escalates and innocent people are accused and executed, Proctor's conscience compels him to confess his affair publicly in an attempt to discredit Abigail and her manipulations.
Despite his insistence on his wife's innocence, Proctor is eventually accused of witchcraft himself due to Abigail's vengeful actions. In a desperate attempt to save his own life and preserve his name, Proctor must make the difficult choice of either confessing falsely or maintaining his integrity by refusing to admit to a crime he did not commit.
Ultimately, Proctor chooses to die with his honor intact, refusing to falsely confess and allowing his reputation to be tarnished to save his life. This final act showcases Proctor's acceptance of his tragic fate, as he willingly sacrifices his life for the sake of truth and morality.
In summary, John Proctor in The Crucible serves as the tragic hero. His noble qualities and high social status align with the traditional definition of a tragic hero, while his fatal flaw of pride and his commitment to maintaining his integrity make him susceptible to downfall. The play's climax and the ultimate sacrifice of his life exemplify Proctor's tragic journey.
Based on this definition of a tragic hero - who is the tragic hero of The Crucible and HOW do they qualify?
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