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John Proctor's Decisions In The Crucible

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The definition of crucible is a situation of severe trial, or in which different elements interact, leading to the creation of something new. John Proctor had several incidents where he would have to make very important decisions that would be based on his morals and he managed to stay above and do the right thing. He can easily be identified as the character that defines the word “crucible” because he realizes the most important decision is to fight for one’s moral truth, no matter how harsh the repercussions may be. When John and his wife, Elizabeth discuss the happenings in the town, he only somewhat confesses about his lechery to her, in which he can be condemned for. She doesn’t take it the way he thinks she will and she leaves everything …show more content…
He had to choose whether he wanted to confess to a lie of witchcraft and keep his life, or to die and not have his name said in vain. He was given an opportunity to speak to his wife before his hanging, to possibly change his mind about not confessing by Danforth. Elizabeth is very pregnant and he thought that maybe she could possibly persuade John to confess and possibly save his life. When they meet, they talk about the unborn baby, the death of Giles Corey and the people who confessed and going to be persecuted. John asks her what she thinks he should do in this situation, and she exclaims that she wants him alive. After a few words, Proctor says, “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. Nothing’s spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long before” (126). He decides to confess to the lie and sign the document, but when Danforth goes to take the signed letter from Proctor and he doesn’t give it to him, while in fury and very hysterical, he tears it into pieces. He then is sentenced to be hanged the next morning. The Crucible was series of many accusations, charades and lies. John Proctor, out of all the characters in this story very well took on the role of a “crucible”. Having to deal with confessing about his affair, then having to deal with being accused of witchcraft, then to be

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