(As defined by Google)
A very strong and influential member of the Puritan Church in Salem, Massachusetts, died a (mostly) honest man, fighting against the persecution of those who are thought to be “witches”. He lived a modest lifestyle, and always stood firm in his beliefs, no matter the outcome. John Proctor: Hero.
Yes, Proctor did commit the crime of lechery. Yes, Proctor did protect his reputation rather than telling the court about the crime with Abigail Williams. Yes, Proctor did “fake” being inhabited by the devil. Yes, that is all true.
No, Proctor did continue his affair with Abigail. No, Proctor did not abandon his wife when she was accused of witchcraft. No, Proctor never accused anyone, nor did he believe in witchcraft. Yes, Proctor never confessed to being a witch and ultimately died for it. Yes, that is all true.
On the day of his execution, officials brought in Reverend Hale and Proctor's wife, in the hope that he would find God and confess, which would save his life. However, he had already found God, and disliked going to Sunday worship because he felt that all Reverend Parris rarely talked about God in his sermons. They also hoped that Elizabeth would be able to convince him to confess, really, they didn't want him to die. She said she wanted him alive, but wouldn't want him to compromise his integrity for her.
He didn't. John Proctor was executed because he refused to confess to witchcraft which he didn't practice nor believe in. He showed exceptional courage, along with Rebecca Nurse and Giles Corey, all of which are heroes in my mind. We fear the judgment of others, yet, the heroes fear not the judgment of others, but the judgment of God.
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