John Proctor: Hero or Stooge?

Every single person on this planet knows what a hero is. We see this term used throughout our life time. From super hero to a tragic hero or an unwilling hero. We are very familiar with this word. Simply put, a hero is "a person who is admired or idealized for courage, outstanding achievements, or noble qualities". On the other hand, what is a stooge? This term however, is not so commonly used in our vocabulary. A stooge is "a person who serves merely to support or assist other, particularly in doing unpleasant work". So, is John Proctor a hero or a stooge?

I consider Proctor a hero. He was a man that's portrayed as the rebel of Salem. He didn't baptize one of his children because of his distaste towards the towns reverend in a community that is entirely religion centric; he didn't attend church on a constant weekly basis; he didn't believe in witchcraft even though the city of Salem is going crazy about the presence of witches in their community; and lastly he slept with a girl half his age by the name on Abigail while married. Although he is portrayed as man who sees himself as "above the law", his actions tell a different story.

John Proctor carried his Puritan values all the way to his grave. He valued honesty and integrity. All though he cheated on his wife with a younger woman, Proctor confessed to the deed in the end. I mean, who doesn't make mistakes in their life time? This man would rather die telling the truth than live by lying. His moral ethics surprised me, since at the beginning of "The Crucible" he is portrayed as living without moral ethics. John Proctor sacrificed himself and his life for the greater good; to show the leaders of Salem what kind of foolish mistake they made by listening to the young girls and their lies. This is why I consider John Proctor a hero.

Martyna x