Poor John The first character to be introduced in Geoffrey Chaucer’s “The Miller’s Tale,” John the Carpenter is arguably one of the more endearing characters in the story as he is one of the few who refrains from trying to trick or sleep with anyone else. Unfortunately, this amiability does not make him immune to the immorality of the other characters, and indeed, by the end of the tale, John suffers a fate undeserved by his actions; he is cuckolded by his wife, cheated by his friend, and publicly humiliated by the entire town. John is described by the narrator as having two major character traits, jealousy and stupidity, but only his stupidity is corroborated by actual action in the story. His alleged jealousy never appears. Through his
John is a very reputable and respectable man in Salem, however, he succumbs to sin and commits adultery with Abigail, the house’s maid. His decision has tormented him and damaged him greatly because if word got out, he would lose his good name, yet, he strives to compensate for his sin by coming clean to the jury: “A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now. I beg you sir… see her what she is… God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance” (Miller 85). By revealing his wrongdoings to the court, he has sacrificed his reputation for the greater good: that the hysteria Abigail and the girls are causing will stop.
John’s name is important to him as he says in Act 4, and he is willing to give it up for his wife and it is worth it. John is honorable because his wife is the most important person in his life, and he would do anything for her. John is a good husband because of his selfless actions toward his wife. John’s portrays honor throughout The Crucible in his loyalty, the good he gives to others and he's a good husband.
The couples relationship was a bad relationship but turned into a good one. John had to be hanged for what he has done but Elizabeth forgave him for his crimes. Elizabeth also learned to tell the truth and to never use witchcraft because it can get her in serious trouble with the town. Before this all went down John was very complacent person to get his wife back and fix his
In The Crucible, a book written by Arthur Miller, the story follows the lives of the community and multiple accusations during the Salem witch trials of Massachusetts. The Crucible demonstrates all aspects of a tragedy story through the liked farmer John Proctor not being able to resist committing adultery, his wife Elizabeth and him suffering from Abigail because of his act, and his acceptance towards his crimes and the resulting events. To begin, John Proctor’s reputation in Salem is nobler and higher than usual people, which is an element of a protagonist in a tragedy. On the first introduction of John Proctor in the first act, the author describes him as, “...powerful of body, even tempered, and not easily led” (Miller 1. 19). Because
He refuses to contribute to the lie of witchcraft in Salem, fights for those convicted of witchcraft, and regrets being a dishonest man. John was one of the most courageous people. In The Crucible, for example, John is seen as loyal because he loves his wife and is willing to go to any length to get rid of Abigail. “My wife will never die for me! I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness will not die for me!"
“Just because your pain is understandable, doesn’t mean your behavior is acceptable” (Maraboli). Pain and fear can either strengthen or destroy the character of a person. John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor and John Hale are three evident characters from The Crucible by Arthur Miller who faced hardship and predicaments that metamorphosed their character. John Proctor, a lonely farm boy stuck in a 30 year old’s body, tries to fix his past with his wife and in the end does what he comprehends as moral. Elizabeth Proctor, a self-conscious, resentful, insecure woman, has to forgive the man that hurt her but has to first forgive herself.
What traits are dominant in John Proctor? Everyone knows the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller. In said play there are many important characters and their main traits. This paper is going to be discussing the three dominant traits of one of the characters.
The story of The Crucible written by Arthur Miller tells the events of John Proctor and the Salem witch trials. John Proctor is a man who is haunted by his guilt of adultery and doesn’t want his good name to be ruined. Throughout the events of John Proctor which have led to the moment wear he tears up his confession that would of save his life but condemned those who didn’t confess or pled guilty to witchcraft. This act is believable for the character of John Proctor as well of his sense of goodness returning. With the events that happen to John Proctor that led to this final noble act is justify with who he is as a person.
Near the end of the play, John signs a confession that he consorted with the devil, but he eventually tears it up because he realizes that his integrity is more important than keeping a good name. He publicly confesses and allies himself with others who refuse to confess. John came to realize that had he confessed to save his life, those who refused to confess would look even more guilty to the court. John says, “ I have three children – how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends?”
In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John showcases his goodness, by having a strong conscience, and firm principled beliefs. Although, John demonstrates great moral character, there are very few people in present-day society that showcase his great valour and bravery. In modern society, people are constantly made conscious of their wealth and status as a measure of their nobility and goodness. However, many societies do not realize that goodness can only come from within, when an individual is willing to face their truths and
The Witch Hunt Leading a life of regret is a challenging existence for any man for guilt weighs heavily on the soul. John Proctor, the protagonist in Arthur Miller’s, The Crucible, is burdened by an immoral act, a torrid affair, which has cost him his name and integrity. Forgiveness comes at a great price, one that he must come to terms with. John Proctor undergoes a transformation from a man battling internal strife to a man who rediscovers his personal integrity.
John had told the truth to free his wife, whom he had loved. With the intention of saving her husband whom she had loved, it backfired, failing miserably. The lie had resulted in John being sentenced to being hung. As Elizabeth is finished speaking the lie in court one would see that John proclaimed, “ “ (Miller, ,). Elizabeth’s last encounter with John was one where she asked for his forgiveness, “ “ (Miller, ,).
Geoffrey Chaucer pushed boundaries and told stories he knew his audience would want to hear. “The Miller’s Tale” as well as “The Reeve’s Tale” has crocodilian humor. Chaucer used bawdy and vulgar scenarios to generate laughter for the audience. His sardonic sense of humor made stories seem larger than life (Brewer, Derek). Both tales feature an elaborate plan for sexual gratification and have components of irony.
Chaucer demonstrates in "The Miller's Tale" that John, despite being of the higher class, will finally fall because of his complete devotion to religion and God. John was a traditional God-fearing man, “Blessed is the ignorant man, indeed/ Blessed is he that only knows his creed.” (Chaucer 251-2), having no regard for learning anything himself. When first introduced he is described as a carpenter and a wealthy “old oaf” (1) giving the readers an impression that there isn’t much to him besides his wealth.
He is a disgusting character who highlights some of the poor qualities seen in people during the Medieval Period. While Chaucer’s novel is structured around a unique group of characters on a pilgrimage, all of which resemble different types of people, some stand out as very unfavorable individuals. The Miller is one of these people. Due to the nature of his tale and behavior on the pilgrimage, one can reasonably claim that he is the most revolting of all the characters. In general, the Miller embodies the negative stereotypes of the working class during the Medieval Period.