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Characterisation of John Proctor - Coggle Diagram
Characterisation of John Proctor
Actions
His integrity clashes with his want for a good reputation
He is a respected main character in his community
He considers himself somewhat of a fraud after having an affair with Abigail
Proctor in act 4 chooses his integrity over reputation
Snatching the piece of paper with his confession and then ripping it up proves that he prefers integrity over reputation (this is symbolic)
After he tears the piece of paper, Elizabeth cannot dissuade him from this decision because it is what Proctor believes is morally correct (due to his belief that he didn't commit witchcraft)
His refusal to be persuaded by Elizabeth shows that he wants to do what is just
Proctor doesn't want to engage in the hysteria (turns more into his integrity, due to if he did, he'd be buying into what everyone else is doing)
Relationships
Elizabeth
In act 4, she goes to talk to John to see if he will confess into committing witchcraft so that he won't be hung.
He wrote a confession but then tore it due to his integrity and him believing in his name being good
She refuses to sway his decision due to her believing that the judge in his heart will help make the decision
Shows that she will support whatever decision he makes
Danforth
Begs John to confess so that Rebecca Nurse can be inspired by him to also confess as they are both highly respected in the community
Rev Parris
Also begs John to confess for the same reason as Danforth. Plus he wants the trials to be over and done with
Rebecca Nurse
Respects John and also doesn't buy into the hysteria
Is like John where she believes in making decisions that are just so when John writes the confession she is shocked
Hale
Wants John to sign the confession so that the trials can be done
Words
"I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man. My honesty is broke, Elizabeth, I am no good man."
These are good words to describe John's character
"It is a pretence for me, a vanity that will not blind God..."
Has no substance/ integrity
Asks Elizabeth if she would give them a lie (which is referring to the confession as to whether she'd also confess)
"PROCTOR: Elizabeth would you give them such a lie? Say it. Would you ever give them this? ELIZABETH: John. PROCTOR: You would not; if tongs of fire were singeing you, you would not! - It is evil. Good then, it is evil, and I do it."
Elizabeth having an influence on his decision
The stage directions
"[His breast heaving, his eyes staring, PROCTOR tears the paper and crumples it, and he is weeping in fury, but erect.]"
Proves that he prefers integrity over reputation
"[He has lifted her, and kisses her now with great passion]"
Proof that he does love her a lot
"[Without warning or hesitation, PROCTOR leaps at Abigail and, grabbing her by the hair, pulls her to her feet, 'What are you about?' and HATHORNE and PARRIS call, 'Take your hands off her!' and out of it all comes PROCTOR's roaring voice.]"
Furious with Abigail and how she is lying to the court
"[His voice about to break, and his shame great]"
Guilt and him knowing he is a fraud