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How does Miller present and develop John Proctor's character in the first two acts of 'The Crucible'?

At the start of the play Arthur miller tells us how john views himself as a sinner against moral fashion at the time and in his own vision of decent conduct because of his affair with Abigail. The guilt he feels is shown when he says 'I will cut of my hand before I reach for you again' in Act one to Abigail when she tries to convince him of her love. By John saying that it makes him sound like a criminal who is stating his own punishment. Arthur Miller here is telling us that John is guilty about his past actions and will punish himself before he repeats it. In the middle of Act two John openly declares his guilt to Elizabeth. He tries to make her understand that he is sorry and that she should not judge him. She is right though, when she says it is john who is the harshest judge. His guilty conscience is once again highlighted towards the end of act two when he passionately says ' that goodness will not die for me' (His wife, Elizabeth). Here Arthur miller shows us that in John's eyes...

Posted by: William Katz

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