In The Crucible, John’s actions were for a good reason because he spoke about his affair publicly, hesitated to forgive himself, and sacrificed his good name along with his life. He thought admitting his affair would help save Elizabeh in the witch trials and that it had destroyed his image in the eyes of God.
One reason John Proctor’s actions were justifiable is because he could not forgive himself for his wrong doings. After John committed adultery with Abigail, he thought that he had damaged his image in the eyes of God, along with ruining his name. However, step by step he brings himself dignity by confessing to the court during the witch trials (Hytner; Miller 1206). Throughout the play, Elizabeth couldn’t find herself to forgive or trust her husband ever again. Additionally, Elizabeth kicked abigail out to the highroads as Proctor resented her for not forgiving him (Miller 1208).
In support of his actions, Proctor told Mary Warren to tell the truth in court (Hytner; Miller 1209). It wasn’t right that Mary knew that Abigail and the girls were lying in court, so Proctor made her sign her life to make sure she told Judge Deputy Danforth that Abigail was making false accusations on people (Miller 1197). Mary Warren knew if she told the truth in court that she would die or be sent to jail for she has committed perjury. So in result, Mary tries to save herself while in fear of Abigail. She cries out and calls Proctor the real devil for making her sign her name to her life if she didn’t tell the truth.
For the outcome, it’s realized that John Proctor’s life was now on the line. He risks this by confessing to his sins. However, at the end of The Crucible, his actions make him a hero. John Proctor simply put his life on the line simply so he can show that the falsely accused are good and innocent. He also puts his life on the line for his wife, Elizabeth. He was determined to save her, and by doing this, he proves that people are innocent.
Yet some readers may have a challenge to defend John Proctor’s actions in the story, he still spoke about his affair and sacrificed his name. Once again, he believed he damaged his image in the eyes of God and tried to do whatever he could to save Elizabeth. In fact, Abigail was trying to get rid of Elizabeth for a few reasons. Because of jealousy, the affair, and her wanting to be with John Proctor. For the good of the truth, Proctor “offered” himself because he refused to lie and confess to witchcraft. (Miller 1232). Proctor does this because in The Crucible he explains that he has already lost his name for committing adultery (Hytner; Miller 1229-1231) leading himself to think that he has nothing else to lose.
John Proctor’s actions are defensivable because he takes numerous losses during the witch trials. He puts his life on the line to save his wife and his actions equal to him lacking to forgive himself. On the whole, in order to bring dignity to himself and defend his name, he reacts by confessing to be right with God.
