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Essay / John Proctor's Motivation in The Crucible
John Proctor, the central character of Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, is driven by a complex set of motivations that shape his actions and ultimately lead to his tragic downfall. Throughout the play, Proctor's primary motivation is his commitment to preserving his integrity and reputation, which he believes have been tarnished by his adulterous affair with Abigail Williams. This essay will explore the various factors that contribute to Proctor's motivation, including his desire for redemption, his concern for his family, and his defiance against the oppressive authority of the Salem Witch Trials.Say No to Plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Topic Sentence: One of John Proctor's main motivations in The Crucible is his quest for redemption. Proctor's guilt following his affair with Abigail Williams drives him to seek redemption and regain his moral standing within the community. He recognizes his wrongdoing and struggles to reconcile his actions with his own sense of morality. This is evident when Proctor confesses to his wife, Elizabeth, saying, “I knew her [Abigail]. I knew her” (Miller 51). By admitting his sin and taking responsibility for his actions, Proctor hopes to cleanse himself of his guilt and restore his integrity. Additionally, Proctor's motivation for redemption is also driven by his desire to set a good example for his children. He wants to teach them the importance of honesty and integrity, and he recognizes that his own actions do not live up to these ideals. This is evident when Proctor says, “I have three children. How can I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I have sold my friends? (Miller 55). Proctor's motivation to redeem himself is not only personal, but also rooted in his responsibility as a father to instill moral values in his children. Topic Sentence: Another important motivation for John Proctor is his concern for his family. Proctor's love for his wife, Elizabeth, and his children are the driving force behind his actions throughout the play. He is determined to protect his family from the chaos and destruction caused by the witch trials. Proctor's concern for his family is evident when he faces the court and declares, "I made a bell of my honor!" I have spelled the ruin of my reputation” (Miller 70). By sacrificing his own reputation, Proctor hopes to protect those close to him from the consequences of the hysteria gripping Salem. Additionally, Proctor's motivation to protect his family is also influenced by his guilt following his affair with Abigail. He feels a deep sense of responsibility towards Elizabeth and seeks to make amends for her betrayal. Proctor's remorse is evident when he exclaims, "I cannot mount the gallows like a saint." It's a fraud. I am not that man” (Miller 134). Proctor's motivation to save his family from the consequences of his actions drives him to fight against the injustice of the witch trials and reveal the truth. Topic Sentence: John Proctor's challenge to the oppressive authority of the Salem witch trials is another key motivation. Proctor's refusal to comply with the court's corrupt authority is motivated by his unwavering belief in justice and truth. He recognizes the absurdity of the witch trials and refuses to participate in the hysteria. Proctor's defiance is evident when he proclaims, "Because that's my name!" Because I can’t have another one in my life” (Miller 143). By refusing to confess to false accusations, Proctor maintains his integrity and challenges the oppressive power of the court. Furthermore, the motivation of., 2003.