I would just
like to begin by defining both the words hero and stooge.
Hero: (noun) a
person, typically a man, who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding
achievements, or noble qualities. Synonyms: Brave, Courageous, etc.
Stooge: (noun) a
person who serves merely to support or assist others, particularly in doing
unpleasant work. Synonyms: Underling, Minion, Lackey, etc.
When reading
through the three acts of The Crucible, John Proctor's character portrays
aspects of both hero and stooge. However, as the play gets closer to its end,
John Proctor's attitude becomes more heroic, which shocks the reader as they
see this "change of heart."
John Proctor at
the beginning of this play is shown to have cheated on his wife with Abigail,
and would do anything in his power to stop that secret from ever seeing the
light of day. As the play progresses, he still can be seen as a stooge, but his
actions are repainting him as the hero.
His biggest
sacrifice is admitting all of his wrongs in front of the court, as long as it
means that he can take down Abigail and save the accused witches.
At times he can
be a stooge for only defending his wife, who is still a very personal aspect to
him, but at others he defends all the accused witches, which shows his heroic
aspects.
In conclusion
John Proctor is both a stooge and hero but his hero characteristics outweigh
his stooge ways.
