Analysis Of John Proctor's Confession In The Crucible

1372 Words6 Pages
Connor Owens October 27, 2009 American Lit. “It’s The Space Between” An analysis of John Proctor’s dissent over his confession in Miller’s, The Crucible Throughout history, the conflicts between the judicial system and civilians have caused great feuds between the two groups. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, the two collide once more in a setting based on the historical Salem Witch Trials, in which the theocratic judges of Salem ruled the court. During these trials, as many civilians were put to death by the court for witchcraft, very few people had the courage to step up to the judicial system and pose as some sort of opposition. When John…show more content…
When Proctor returned continues to testify against his wife’s accusation, he becomes overwhelmed by the girl’s façade, along with Mary’s and Danforth’s accusations against him about him being a liar. Out of anger, Proctor storms from the court in a feeble attempt to maintain his reputation as a truthful man. In doing such, he exclaims, “God is dead…a fire is burning!” (Miller 111) Proctor’s exclamation against the court late in Act III, only emphasizes the injustice Proctor believes is evident in Salem, and that there is a direct parallel among the trials, fire/ Satan, and the nonexistence of God. These very parallels Later, Proctor is imprisoned for his actions and chooses to avoid death by signing a confession which he knows to be false. As both Danforth and the judges oppress over him, Proctor cannot bring himself to sign, and ultimately leads himself to his own death. “How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” (Miller 133) In saying this, Proctor emphasizes the emotional strain which people were brought under during the trials. The reluctancy of Proctor to sign away his name allows him to make a much greater impact on the trials, and ultimately serve as a martyr against the corrupt system. The belief that people should not have to lie is one which comes up a lot in Proctor’s life. As the story comes to an end, Proctor is ready to face his death and throw away his reputation in front of the town. As the accused prepare for their death, a resonating sound of hope rises from Rebecca Nurse. “Let you fear nothing! Another judgement waits us all.” (Miller 133). Rebecca Nurse’s last words epitomize another belief of John Proctor, in that people on Earth were not meant to judge; instead, the only judge was in God, Himself. Emphasizing that the court has no right to accuse and/or judge, Proctor promotes ideal Christian values

More about Analysis Of John Proctor's Confession In The Crucible

Open Document