WEEK SIX HOMEWORK

Is John Proctor a hero or not? We have debated this in class. Now choose the most effective point in the argument for or against and write a paragraph on this point with a really effective topic sentence and evidence from the play in support. Include at least one correctly punctuated quotation. Post to your blog for tomorrow’s lesson.


I don't believe this is a fairly debatable topic and I myself would classify John Proctor as a 'tragic hero', due to the qualities he shows and the way he impacts the community of Salem. Whilst he does make some mistakes, these are only minor setbacks compared to the noble, honourable and righteous qualities John no doubt posesses. John, throughout the play, had always been one to seek truth and goodness. When the witch hunt began, while others were continually blaming friends and foes on the happenings at the time, never did John blacken someone else's name to protect himself. He didn't judge a single person, he was the one who proposed the idea that perhaps the girls were simply 'pretending' that the devil was amongst them. Proctor continually battled for justice for those who had been falsely accused. No denying, John certainly denounces those who abuse their powers, and he does not have trust in Parris or the church - he feels as though they do not have proper faith and their way of praising god and doing good is not right. John has a very good name in the village, many people admire the man he is, “In Proctor’s presence a fool felt his foolishness instantly” (p.142.) Toward the end, John eventually decides it is better to be honest and loyal to God than tell a lie and shame his friends. He goes against the crowd, he stands for what is good and right. John is a man of courage and greatness - and that is how he chose to die.