Monday, September 16, 2013
The Original Stooge: John Proctor
The first tidbit of information we learn about the man, the myth and the
legend John Proctor is that he is a man with in a "so-called" dedicated
relationship, yet has an affair with a, to put in lightly, lustful
affair with Abigail Williams. Already the reader should be cautious of
the character. I personally can't be a fan of the "above the law"
protagonist that everyone else seems to like. I should have to figure
out what type of person your main character is, you shouldn't have to
tell me as the author. Nevertheless, John Proctor's ability to get the
respect from the entirety of a town on pins and needles is pretty
impressive. However, he still can't be confined by the religious rules
of Salem. If you really wanted to live the farmer's lifestyle, have a
happy life with your wife and children and never have to worry about a
thing in the world, why would you put yourself in Salem, the strictest
town in the nation? His carefree attitude sets me off throughout the
entirety of the play, and the way he is portrayed in the film gives me
the same impression. To every stooge, there are redeeming qualities. He
is the person who would take the bullet for you if he wanted to. The way
he intervenes in the play, taking the blame and not letting Abigail
walk over the town is impressive to any one. He was the "Hero" of the
town, in that sense. But do not let a man's best moment define him.
Remember the type of person who he really is. A careless man who
continues to either override his authority or do nothing to help a
situation. In my eyes, John Proctor is the original stooge.
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John Proctor does have several qualities that attribute to the titles of hero and stooge, but what makes a stooge? What makes John Proctor a stooge? Is there some foolishness in one's decision that makes him or her such a thing? Your example, taking a bullet for someone, would imply both heroic and stooge-like qualities.
ReplyDeleteI do not believe John Proctor comes off as careless and carefree. He seems to be weighted down by the mistakes he creates. His self-respect plummets and he tries to redeem himself by making terribly difficult decisions (one leading to his death, even). However, do you think that is a careless decision on his part?
Henry: I agree with you in the sense that John Proctor was definitely not perfect. He for sure used his charisma and how much people liked him to his advantage. But, that was all earned. Especially in a society where everything is scrutinized, it would take a truly respectable to have such a reputation. Also, I don't think that the word hero implies a perfect human being; all people, including heroes, have flaws. The concept of heroes with fatal flaws is present in literature throughout time, especially in the classical greek era. What I think makes proctor a hero isn't his confession but his resilience to not sell out, and to stay true to all the other people in the town who had remained truthful. He is a hero because he didn't save himself at the cost of others, even where was encouraged to do so and so many others had taken that path. Perhaps a more suiting title would be "trailblazer?"
ReplyDeleteI don't think Proctor put himself in Salem, the "strictest town in the nation". It's like this, a couple has been married for 20 years and realize that they hate each other. However they've become so accustomed to having each other in their lives that to break away would be too challenging. Sometimes, Henry, it's easier to cope with "familiar conflict" than to leave and start over with something completely new. I think this is the case for John Proctor.
ReplyDeleteJohn Proctor, a stooge? What?!! That's like going the route not many people chose, yay! Anyways, I really see where you were going with this post, I really liked how you had a clear tone for this. I thought your perspective was really interesting because reading quite a few posts people focused more on one action (the very end) to define John, while you on the hand did clearly the opposite. I do agree with some of this, like the "lustful affair," (that wasn't the smartest decision)and how he gained respect from the town, using it for his own good. However, I do agree with Devin about the whole Salem thing. I feel like it would be really hard for everybody if they didn't stay in Salem. Salem was a place that was familiar to both Elizabeth and John. How about the kids? He wasn't the only one choosing Salem. Even when the whole husband-wife relationship wasn't good, it wouldn't be a rightful act for John to divorce or run away. He already wronged God many times (in his perspective), so it wouldn't be good as a Puritan to do that.
ReplyDeleteRegardless, really interesting and well written post.