The Tragedy of John Proctor A Tragic Pattern: How the play is built

A Tragedy A story about serious issues It ends unhappily It usually ends with the deaths of the main characters The main character’s death is usually a result of his or her own downfall

A Tragic Hero Aristotle’s classic definition of a tragic hero is someone of high rank who embodies nobility yet has a fatal flaw which leads to his inevitable downfall e.g. Macbeth, Romeo etc. Proctor cannot be considered a tragic hero on the classical sense since he has no rank, nor is he particularly noble. He is an ordinary farmer and adulterer. However, he is tragic in as much as he has a sense of what nobility or morality should be and is painfully aware of his own shortcomings. He senses his own weaknesses and failures keenly. He could also be seen to achieve nobility by the end of the play when he refuses to compromise his principles and chooses to face death rather than lie. In the end he chooses his own integrity over his life which is ultimately Proctor’s tragedy.

The Plot structure for a Tragic Pattern Crisis/ Turning Point R.A Falling Action Exposition Climax/Resolution

Miller’s Tragic Pattern Act I: Exposition (Betty’s bedroom) Act II: Rising Action (Proctor House) Act III: Crisis or Turning point (Courtroom) Act IV: Falling Action (Cell) Act IV: Climax and resolution (Cell)

Act I: Exposition Introduces the setting, main characters, themes and the main conflict e.g. Salem’s underlying tensions and secrets are exposed. Act 1 – Betty’s bedroom Exposition

Act II: Rising Action A series of complications which are a result of the main characters taking action. Arrests are made as accusations fly. R.A Exposition

Act III: The Crisis or Turning Points A choice made by the main characters determines the direction of the action A happy ending = Comedy Downward action= Tragedy Most dramatic and intense moment All the complications lead to this moment John admits adultery BUT is let down by Elizabeth and Mary. Turning Point R.A Exposition

Act IV: Falling Action Presents consequences of character’s decision The character’s downfall begins Events lead to tragic climax e.g Proctor is arrested and struggles with his confession. Turning Point R.A F.A Exposition

Act IV: Climax (CATASTROPHE) and Resolution Also known as the CATASTROPHE Occurs at the end of the play Usually ends with the death of the main characters (John) Resolution- the loose ends of the play are tied up. (Echoes…) Turning Point R.A F.A Exposition , Climax/Resolution