The Crucible

• John Proctor

  • Complex personality
  • Regretting past actions
  • Exhibiting self-blame
• John Proctor: '"Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I'll cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again."'
• John Proctor

  • Challenges societal norms
  • Believes in equal social rights
• John Proctor: '"We vote by name in this society, not by acreage."'
• John Proctor

  • Questions infallibility of those in power
  • Doubts Parris and Abigail's innocence
  • Skeptical and ready to question status quo
• John Proctor: '"Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers?"'
• John Proctor


  • Grapples with guilt over past infidelity
  • Remorseful and struggles to break free of past
• John Proctor: '"I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!"'
• John Proctor

  • Strained relationship with wife, Elizabeth
  • Critical of her justice
• John Proctor: '"Oh. Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer."'
• John Proctor


  • Values integrity and honesty
  • Resents deceit
• John Proctor: '"Because it speaks deceit, and I am honest!"'
• John Proctor

  • Opposes societal norms and tries to reveal motives behind Salem trials
  • This opposition leads to his downfall
• John Proctor: '"We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!"'
• John Proctor

  • Frustrated with perceived religious hypocrisy
  • Staunch commitment to righteousness
• John Proctor: '"Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee."'
• John Proctor

  • Moment of self-realization and acknowledgment of his flaw
• John Proctor: '"A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now."'
• John Proctor

  • Underlying respect for Elizabeth's honesty and credibility
• John Proctor: '"But if she say she is pregnant, then she must be! That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth"'
• John Proctor's character represents the struggles of a guilt-ridden man battling to retain his dignity and truth in the face of a hypocritical society
• John Proctor's character represents every individual forced to grapple with their past mistakes while trying to maintain their moral and ethical standards
• John Proctor's ultimate demise exhibits the tragic cost of this struggle
• John Proctor: '"raising up a whore"'
• Meaning


  John Proctor's quote illustrates his moral outrage over those in power's hypocritical and unjust actions. He believes corrupt authorities are dragging down goodness and righteousness while exalting immorality and sin.
• John Proctor: '"A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud…we will burn, we will burn together!"'
• Meaning


  In this quote, John Proctor warns Danforth of the consequences of their actions if they ignore and hide the truth. He suggests that they will eventually be punished for their deceit and burn together in the fires of revenge for what they have done.
• John Proctor: '"I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it."'
• Meaning


  This quote from John Proctor speaks to his self-awareness and recognition of his wrongdoings and shortcomings. It also shows his understanding of the importance of self-reflection and personal growth. He advocates for understanding and accepting that we all have our sins and that judging others is not our place.
• John Proctor: '"I am John Proctor! You will not use me! It is no part of salvation that you should use me!"'
• Meaning

  In this quote, John Proctor asserts his agency and dignity, clarifying that nobody should try to take advantage of him or use him for their gain. He believes that no part of attaining salvation should involve using him or any other person.
• John Proctor: '"he knows it is insane: No, it is not the same! What others say and what i sign to is not the same!"'
• Meaning

  John Proctor emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth despite what others may demand. He explains that signing a document under pretenses does not make it true and that standing up for one's beliefs is the only thing that gives value to one's words.
• John Proctor: '"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!"'
• Meaning

  John Proctor's quote speaks to the importance of maintaining one's good name, even when difficult. He is willing to sacrifice his life to keep his reputation intact and recognizes that it is more important than his soul. He is making a powerful statement about the importance of truth and integrity.
• John Proctor and Elizabeth: '"…I can. And there's your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs."'
• Meaning

  This quote shows John Proctor's character growth and ability to recognize the goodness in himself. Even though he has made mistakes, he can still find a shred of integrity and use it to protect himself and others from harm.
• Elizabeth Proctor about John Proctor: '"He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!"'
• Meaning

  This quote from Elizabeth Proctor suggests that John is willing to sacrifice his feelings and desires to let his husband keep his goodness. Elizabeth demonstrates her selfless and caring nature by prioritizing her husband's well-being before her own.
• John Proctor: '"What's this mischief here?"'