There are many figures throughout history and in literature who have sacrificed their lives for a

principle. They believed so passionately in an idea that they were willing to make the ultimate

sacrifice, their lives, for it. For example, William Wallace, the Scottish patriot who led a

rebellion against King Edward I of England, would not repent even as he was professionally tortured,

but he instead cried out for freedom for the Scots. For William Wallace, as with John Proctor in

Arthur Miller's play The Crucible , a choice was made. Both men had an opportunity to save

themselves, but chose instead to die for their beliefs. John Proctor makes the decision to tear up his

confession and doom himself when Reverend Danforth asks him, "Is that document a lie?" (886) because

he realizes that honesty is more important to him.

The definitive Greek tragic hero is well-born with a tragic flaw which ultimately leads to his

downfall. John Proctor and William Wallace are not classic tragic heroes. Neither man was of noble

birth; they were not saintly men, and both committed their share of sins. Proctor says of his

soul, "Nothing's spoiled by giving them this lie that

if he agrees to sign a lie. He will lose his faith in himself as a good man and always regret his

death. "You have made your magic now, for I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor.

not keep his "...children out of the wind..." (883). He will also lose his reputation as an honest

because he knows it is wrong to admit to a lie. Through his death, he has the chance to retrieve

John Proctor will gain his life, "...God's most precious gift" (882) according to Reverend

Some topics in this essay:
John Proctor, Reverend Hale, William Wallace, Corey Elizabeth, Proctor Crucible, Reverend Danforth, Arthur Miller's, john proctor, Danforth Proctor, Edward England, Elizabeth Proctor, william wallace, tragic heroes, shred goodness, proctor makes, lie lose, greek tragic, ordinary people, tragic flaw, john proctor makes,