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

A Tragedy A story about serious issues A story about serious issues It ends unhappily It ends unhappily It usually ends with the deaths of the main characters 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 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 Exposition R.A Crisis/ Turning Point Falling Action Climax/Resolution

Miller’s Tragic Pattern Act I: Exposition (Betty’s bedroom) Act I: Exposition (Betty’s bedroom) Act II: Rising Action (Proctor House) Act II: Rising Action (Proctor House) Act III: Crisis or Turning point (Courtroom) Act III: Crisis or Turning point (Courtroom) Act IV: Falling Action (Cell) Act IV: Falling Action (Cell) Act IV: Climax and resolution (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. 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 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. A series of complications which are a result of the main characters taking action. Arrests are made as accusations fly. Exposition R.A

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

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

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