In Act 1 of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, John Proctor stands out as a character who could be definitively called a hypocrite. While other characters exhibit traits of hypocrisy, Proctor's internal conflict and actions reveal a significant divergence between his public image and private conduct.
John Proctor: A Study in Act 1 Hypocrisy
John Proctor is presented as a man of integrity and independence, openly critical of the rampant religious hysteria and the materialistic tendencies of Reverend Parris. However, his hidden sin—an affair with Abigail Williams—directly contradicts the upright moral standing he projects. This dichotomy forms the core of his hypocrisy in the opening act.
Here's how his hypocrisy is evident in Act 1:
- Secret Adultery vs. Public Decency: Proctor maintains a reputation as a respectable farmer and family man in Salem, yet he engaged in an extramarital affair with Abigail, his former servant. This grave sin, kept secret, is a profound betrayal of his marriage and the strict Puritan moral code he ostensibly adheres to.
- Moral High Ground vs. Personal Guilt: He challenges Reverend Parris's sermons for focusing on "hellfire and damnation" rather than God, and he questions the Parris's excessive demands for salary and property. While his criticisms might be valid, they ring hollow given his own severe moral failing which he attempts to conceal. He condemns the "smell of hell" yet lives with a personal secret that is considered a grave sin within his community.
- Denial and Avoidance: When confronted by Abigail in Act 1, Proctor attempts to dismiss their past relationship as mere "mischief" and denies any lingering feelings, despite Abigail's passionate pleas. He tries to exert control over the situation by ordering her to "leap the fence and clean your name," indicating his desire to escape the consequences of their affair and protect his reputation.
Other Characters and Their Hypocritical Traits
While John Proctor's hypocrisy is central to the play's themes, other characters also display elements of it in Act 1, often driven by fear, greed, or self-preservation:
| Character | Hypocritical Trait (Act 1) | Justification (Act 1 Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| Reverend Parris | Spiritual Leader vs. Materialism & Reputation | He preaches piety but is deeply concerned with his salary, the ownership of his house, and his standing in the community, often prioritizing these over the well-being of his niece, Betty, or the spiritual health of his congregation. |
| Abigail Williams | Innocent Victim vs. Manipulative Accuser | She pretends to be a fragile, innocent girl who was bewitched, yet she is the orchestrator of the dancing in the woods and later uses her feigned affliction to manipulate the situation and accuse others, particularly Goody Proctor. |
| Thomas Putnam | God-Fearing Citizen vs. Greedy Opportunist | He appears to be a devout member of the community, but his eagerness to accuse others and his long-standing land disputes reveal a man driven by avarice, using the witchcraft hysteria as a means to acquire more property. |
The Depth of Proctor's Hypocrisy
Proctor's hypocrisy is particularly poignant because it stems from an internal struggle. Unlike characters like Abigail or Putnam, whose deceit is often purely self-serving, Proctor grapples with profound guilt and a desperate need to maintain his moral integrity in the eyes of others, even as his past actions betray that very integrity. This internal conflict sets the stage for his character's journey throughout the play, as he is forced to confront his own sins before he can truly stand against the hysteria.
