The Crucible - John Proctor "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller illustrates a powerful drama based on the Salem witch trials of 1692. A very strict theocracy rules Salem; a place where the Bible is law and anyone who follows the rules to the letter must be dealing with the devil. Accusations of witchcraft in Salem begin with a group of girls caught dancing in the woods. Dancing is forbidden and for fear of being punished or even accused of witchcraft, the girls begin to accuse others of having been seen with the devil. In an attempt to prove they were lying, John Proctor sacrificed his own life to protect others. (FIRST IN THE SENTENCE). John Proctor plays the classic tragic hero, in which his tragic mistake and victory over evil becomes the cause of his untimely death. Proctor, a farmer, has an affair with Abigail Williams, which ultimately leads to his downfall. Abigail mistakes this affair for true love and being the leader of a group of girls who accuse others of witchcraft; she takes the opportunity to accuse his wife, Elizabeth. This affair also causes Elizabeth to become suspicious of John, who for seven months has been trying to get back into her good graces and has had enough of her suspicions. He tells her bluntly: “…I did not go from there to there without thinking of pleasing you…I cannot speak but I am doubted, at every moment judged for lies…”(52). This illustrates John's perseverance in attempting to redeem himself from his sin, but because of John's inability to control his lust and resist temptation, his life is turned upside down by Abigail's jealousy and need for revenge. . This event marks Proctor's downfall and his path to becoming a tragic hero. Like any tragic hero, Proctor is defeated by Abigail, a true symbol of evil. Proctor faces defeat when court officials come to take Elizabeth away. Proctor is so furious at this attack on his house that he tears up the warrant and forcefully tells them to leave, saying, “To hell with the deputy governor!” Out of my house!”(77), demonstrating his intense love for his wife. Proctor shows signs of being a tragic hero when he attempts to go to court to save his wife and prove that the girls are lying. However, he ends up being accused himself. Mary Warren is in court to testify when she suddenly breaks down "hysterically, pointing at Proctor, afraid of him: My name, he wants my name..