John Proctor is a tragic hero in The Crucible. He makes mistakes, and he pays for them dearly.
But his quotes are some of the most memorable in the play.
Here are 25 John Proctor quotes with page numbers from The Crucible:
60 The Crucible Quotes With Page Numbers
John Proctor Character Analysis
John Proctor from Arthur Miller’s ‘The Crucible” is an exemplary character in understanding the repercussions of personal actions, human nature, and societal norms.
John Proctor displays a complex personality, highlighted by direct quotes from the book.
In Act One, Page 22, he is shown as a man regretting his past actions and exhibiting a sense of self-blame, indicated by the quote, “Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I’ll cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again.”
Proctor’s character challenges societal norms, as shown by his quote in Act One, Page 27, “We vote by name in this society, not by acreage.”
This statement reveals his belief in equal social rights, regardless of property ownership and socio-economic status.
More than once, Proctor questions the infallibility of those in positions of power or moral authority. His doubts about Parris and Abigail’s innocence (Act Two, Page 51) reflect his skepticism and readiness to question the status quo.
Proctor also grapples with guilt over his past actions, particularly his infidelity, which he repeatedly references.
In Act Two, Page 59, his statement, “I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!” illuminates the remorse he embodies and the struggle he endures to break free of his past.
His strained relationship with his wife, Elizabeth, is a recurring theme. His critical remarks, such as “your justice would freeze beer” (Act Two, Page 53), reflect the divide that has grown between them due to his actions.
The concept of integrity and honesty is integral to Proctor’s character. He resents deceit and commends honesty, evident from his declaration, “Because it speaks deceit, and I am honest…” (Act Two, Page 59).
While Proctor stands against societal norms and attempts to reveal the actual motives behind the Salem trials, this opposition ultimately leads to his downfall.
Quotes such as “We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!” (Act Two, Page 73) provide a critical commentary on the failings of the community as a whole.
Additionally, Proctor’s religious beliefs and frustration with perceived religious hypocrisy further paint a complex picture of his character.
In Act Three, Page 88, his words, “Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee.” shows his staunch commitment towards righteousness.
A powerful moment of self-realization and acknowledgment appears in Act Three, Page 102, when he admits, “A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now.”
Here, the confession about his flaw, especially about lusting over Abigail, is a pivotal moment of character growth in John Proctor.
John’s underlying respect for Elizabeth is evidenced in Act Three, Page 93, where he defends her honor and credibility, stating, “But if she say she is pregnant, then she must be! That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth”.
Despite their strained relationship, Proctor never doubts Elizabeth’s honesty.
In conclusion, John Proctor’s character represents the struggles of a guilt-ridden man battling to retain his dignity and truth in the face of a hypocritical society.
He represents every individual forced to grapple with their past mistakes while trying to maintain their moral and ethical standards. His ultimate demise exhibits the tragic cost of this struggle.
The 25 best John Proctor quotes from The Crucible with page numbers
1. “knowing smile on his face: What’s this mischief here?”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 20
Meaning: John Proctor implies that the people in the courtroom have a hidden agenda and are not as innocent as they appear to be, as his words suggest that they know something they are not revealing.
His quote implies they are up to no good and hiding something.
2. “Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I’ll cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 22
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote emphasizes his determination to end his relationship with Abigail and his readiness to go to extreme lengths to ensure they never reunite.
He is willing to sacrifice his own hand rather than risk going back to Abigail and his feelings for her.
Abigail Williams Quotes And Page Numbers
3. “We vote by name in this society, not by acreage.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 27
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote implies that individual people receive recognition and respect in society, regardless of the land they own. He emphasizes the importance of personal reputation and identity over material wealth.
4. “Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers?”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 51
Meaning: In this quote, John Proctor is questioning why people take the accusations of certain individuals as absolute truth without considering the possibility that they may be wrong.
He suggests that people should not automatically assign holiness or innocence to the accuser but rather examine all the evidence before concluding.
5. “Let you look to your own improvement before you go to judge your husband anymore.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 52
Meaning: This quote reflects John Proctor’s plea for his wife, Elizabeth, to reflect on her actions before she judges him.
Rather than simply blaming him, he asks her to consider how her choices and behaviors may have led to their current situation.
6. “Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day. But you’re not, you’re not, and let you remember it! Let you look sometimes for the goodness in me, and judge me not.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 51
Meaning: John Proctor emphasizes that he is not perfect and that others should look for the good in him instead of judging him and giving him a chance.
He’s alluding to the fact that even in his dream, he was mistaken in thinking that the person he was dealing with was God-like.
7. “Spare me! You forget nothin’ and forgive nothin’. Learn charity, woman. I have gone tiptoe in this house all seven month since she is gone. I have not moved from there to there without I think to please you, and still an everlasting funeral marches around your heart. I cannot speak but I am doubted, every moment judged for lies, as though I come into a court when I come into this house!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 52
Meaning: John Proctor pleads with Elizabeth to show him compassion and understanding. He reminds her of all the efforts he has put in to make her happy, although he has been doubted and judged every moment of their marriage.
He asks her to learn the power of charity and forgive him for his mistakes.
8. “I should have roared you down when first you told me your suspicion. But I wilted, and, like a Christian, I confessed. Confessed! Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 52
Meaning: John Proctor regrets not standing up for himself and admitting guilt for something he did not do. He implies that he was shocked and confused when accused, believing that God Himself was addressing him.
He wishes he had been more assertive and defended himself instead.
9. “Oh. Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 53
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote, “Oh. Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer,” is a sarcastic comment that suggests that Elizabeth’s justice and judgment are so strict that it would be like freezing the beer, making it impossible to enjoy.
He is implying that Elizabeth’s justice is too harsh.
10. “What work you do! It’s strange work for a Christian girl to hang old women!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 56
Meaning: This quote from John Proctor in The Crucible highlights the hypocrisy of the accusations of witchcraft in Salem and suggests that the actions of the young girls are not in line with what is expected of a good Christian.
11. “Because it speaks deceit, and I am honest! But I’ll plead no more! I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 59
Meaning: John Proctor is asserting his integrity and refusing to be shamed or judged for his past mistakes.
He realizes that the court and his accusers are trying to use his single error in life to discredit him, so he will not give them the satisfaction of trying to tear it free and prove his innocence.
12. “If she is innocent! Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers? I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem—vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 73
Meaning: John Proctor suggests that the people of Salem should question the accusations against Parris and Abigail and consider that they may be innocent.
He also implies that it is wrong to assume that the accuser is always right and that vengeance should not determine the law.
13. “We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 73
Meaning: John Proctor is referring to how the power dynamics in Salem have changed, with children now holding power and driving justice according to their whims.
He implies that the justice system has become corrupted, with vengeance guiding their decisions instead of sound judgment.
14. “Pontius Pilate! God will not let you clean your hands of this!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 73
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote reminds us that we cannot escape our guilt and responsibility for our actions, no matter how much we want to.
Even if, like Pontius Pilate, we try to absolve ourselves of guilt, God will not allow us to escape.
15. “Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 76
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote suggests that despite the tragedy and chaos that have befallen Salem, there is still hope for peace and salvation.
He acknowledges that everything may have changed on the surface, but people are the same deep down.
They are only what they have always been, but now they are stripped of the masks and facades that once hid their true selves.
16. “we are only what we always were”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 76
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote implies that no matter the situation, people remain unchanged and stay true to their original values and beliefs.
This quote suggests that the arrival of a crisis or conflict does not suddenly change a person’s essential identity.
17. “Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 88
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote encourages people to do good and reminds them that if they act with kindness and integrity, they will be protected from harm.
18. “But if she say she is pregnant, then she must be! That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 93
Meaning: John Proctor affirms the truthfulness of Elizabeth’s accusations and urges Judge Danforth to believe her. He is suggesting that there is no reason for her to lie about her pregnancy, as it would bring her no benefit.
19. “A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now. I beg you, sir, I beg you – see her what she is…She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me, I lusted and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance….”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 102
Meaning: He also takes responsibility for his actions and admits to lusting after Abigail, despite his promise to his wife to stay faithful.
His words also hint at his understanding that Abigail’s anger and revenge are motivated by her hurt and betrayal.
20. “You are pulling heaven down and raising up a whore”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 111
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote from The Crucible illustrates his moral outrage over those in power’s hypocritical and unjust actions.
He believes corrupt authorities are dragging down goodness and righteousness while exalting immorality and sin.
21. “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud…we will burn, we will burn together!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 111
Meaning: In this quote, John Proctor warns Danforth of their actions’ consequences if they ignore and hide the truth.
He suggests that they will eventually be punished for their deceit and burn together in the fires of revenge for what they have done.
22. “I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Four, Page 131
Meaning: This quote from John Proctor speaks to his self-awareness and recognition of his wrongdoings and shortcomings, as well as his understanding of the importance of self-reflection and personal growth.
He advocates for understanding and accepting that we all have our sins and that judging others is not our place.
23. “I am John Proctor! You will not use me! It is no part of salvation that you should use me!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Four, Page 132
Meaning: John Proctor asserts his agency and dignity in this quote, clarifying that nobody should try to take advantage of him or use him for their gain.
He believes that no part of attaining salvation should involve using him or any other person.
24. “he knows it is insane: No, it is not the same! What others say and what i sign to is not the same!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Four, Page 132
Meaning: John Proctor emphasizes the importance of speaking the truth despite what others may demand.
He explains that signing a document under pretenses does not make it true and that standing up for one’s beliefs is the only thing that gives value to one’s words.
25. “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Four, Page 133
Meaning: John Proctor’s quote speaks to the importance of maintaining one’s good name, even when difficult. He is willing to sacrifice his life to keep his reputation intact and recognizes that it is more important than his soul.
He is making a powerful statement about the importance of truth and integrity.
26. “…I can. And there’s your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor and Elizabeth, Act Four, Page 133
Meaning: This quote shows John Proctor’s character growth and ability to recognize the goodness in himself. Even though he has made mistakes, he can still find a shred of goodness and use it to protect himself and others from harm.
27. “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, Elizabeth Proctor about John Proctor, Act Four, Page 134
Meaning: This quote from Elizabeth Proctor in The Crucible suggests that he is willing to sacrifice his feelings and desires to let his husband keep his goodness.
Elizabeth demonstrates her selfless and caring nature by prioritizing her husband’s well-being before her own.
John Proctor quotes Act 1
“knowing smile on his face: What’s this mischief here?”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 20
“Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I’ll cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 22
“We vote by name in this society, not by acreage.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 27
Quotes about John Proctor being a good man
“We vote by name in this society, not by acreage.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 27
“Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were, but naked now.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 76
“I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Four, Page 131
“Do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 88
John Proctor Quotes About Abigail
“Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 22
“You’re wicked yet aren’t y ”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 20
John Proctor quotes about his reputation.
John Proctor’s quotes about his reputation show his strong belief in the value of a good name. In Act Two, he says, “If the girl’s a saint now, I think it is not easy to prove she’s a fraud.”
He reminds the court that his good reputation starkly contrasts Abigail’s and that she is not as saintly as she seems.
In Act Three, Proctor says, “Oh, Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!” He refers to the fact that his good name has granted him a certain amount of power and authority, even in a court of law.
In Act Two, Proctor asks, “Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers?”
He is pointing out that even though he is not perfect, his good reputation will always stand in contrast to those who do not have one.
John Proctor Pride Quotes
“Because it speaks deceit, and I am honest! But I’ll plead no more! I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 59
“knowing smile on his face: What’s this mischief here?”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 20
“If the girl’s a saint now, I think it is not easy to prove she’s a fraud.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 51
“Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God’s fingers?”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 73
“… Vengeance is walking Salem… We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 73
“I have trouble enough without I come five mile to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation. Take it to heart, Mr. Parris. There are many others who stay away from church these days because you hardly ever mention God any more.” –
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 27
“I’ll plead no more! I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 59
“I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. I’ll not conceal it.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 62
“I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem—vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrant’s vengeance! I’ll not give my wife to vengeance!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 73
“A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now. I beg you, sir, I beg you—see her what she is . . . She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 102
John Proctor Quotes About Elizabeth
“But if she say she is pregnant, then she must be! That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 85
“Spare me! You forget nothin’ and forgive nothin’. Learn charity, woman.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 52
“Let you look to your own im-provement before you go to judge your husband anymore.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 52
“I cannot speak but I am doubted, every moment judged for lies, as though I come into a court when I come into this house!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 52
“Oh, Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 53
John Proctor Adultery Quotes
John Proctor’s adultery is a major theme in The Crucible. In Act Two, he confesses to the court that he had an affair with Abigail Williams and is wracked with guilt and regret. Here are some of his best quotes on the subject:
“I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart! I never knew what pretense Salem was, I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their covenanted men! And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes? I will not, I cannot! You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, Abigail about John Proctor, Act One, Page 22
“I’ll plead no more! I see now your spirit twists around the single error of my life, and I will never tear it free!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 59
“I’ll tell you what’s walking Salem—vengeance is walking Salem. We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law! This warrant’s vengeance! I’ll not give my wife to vengeance!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Two, Page 73
“A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything, I know it now. I beg you, sir, I beg you—see her what she is . . . She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore’s vengeance.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Three, Page 102
These quotes from John Proctor demonstrate his immense guilt and regret for his adultery and how he struggles to reconcile his actions with his faith.
What is John Proctor’s tragic flaw quote?
“Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I’ll ever reach for you again. Wipe it out of mind. We never touched, Abby.”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act One, Page 22
John Proctor’s tragic flaw is his excessive pride, which leads him to make decisions that ultimately result in his demise. His pride prevents him from admitting his mistake of having an affair with Abigail, leading to his refusal to confess in court and, ultimately, his execution.
Moreover, his pride drives him to stand for his beliefs and what is right in the community despite the consequences.
What quote is given when John Proctor confesses?
John Proctor finally confesses to being a witch, saying, ” You are the high court, your word is good enough! tell them I confessed myself; say Proctor broke his knees and wept like a woman, but my name cannot!”
~Arthur Miller, The Crucible, John Proctor, Act Four, Page 132
This conveys Proctor’s desire to protect his friends and that he still believes in doing the right thing, even though it means confessing to a crime, he did not commit.
What does Proctor say at the end?
At the end of the play, John Proctor refuses to sign the confession of witchcraft despite being offered a pardon for his life.
He says, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
Here, Proctor is determined to uphold his principles and protect his good name, even if it means sacrificing his life.
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