John Proctor: Hero or Stooge

When we are first introduced to John Proctor he is in a position of a sinful man, having had an affair with Abigail who still wishes to win him over, stealing him from his wife. In this scene we are shown John's morality; despite the readers knowledge of his sin he appears just due to his obvious remorse, and throughout the rest of the play he struggles emotionally to cope with his guilt, his sin drained his self-respect. Despite his monetary lapse in judgement John Proctor seems to be a stand up guy living what many would say was the ideal Puritan lifestyle, with a wife, sons and land. He is obviously respected throughout Salem, and his true character is shown in the third act when his wife is accused of being of a witch. He goes to the court with the strong notion of resolving the injustice that is sweeping over Salem and the trials. He speaks to the court about Abigail's testimony that indeed no witchcraft took place in the forrest, Marry Warrens testimony, and the admission of his affair with Abigail therefore discrediting her reputation in the town. Although he is not able to resolve the accusations, and does little to ease the chaos, he does make up for his sin with abigail by admitting it and fighting the false accusations of the court. John finds out his wife is pregnant and therefore momentarily safe, yet even then he doesn't cease to contest the obvious injustice. He has reached almost complete redemption through his acts in scenes 3 and 4 and by the end of the book i believe he has earned his self-respect back in its entirety. He is given the option to admit his alliance with the devil in order to save his life, yet refuses after some thought, this lie would make all his work irrelevant, destroying his name and soul. I believe this valiant act propels him into the classification of a hero, especially within Salem and the play, he dies with his goodness and honor.