26 John Proctor Quotes From 'The Crucible'

The weight of truth and the power of lies collide in the gripping tale of John Proctor, as he faces a life or death struggle in a society ruled by fear and hysteria in Arthur Miller's iconic play, "The Crucible." Read these 26 John Proctor quotes to learn more about the character.

"The Crucible" is a play written by Arthur Miller that was first performed in 1953. Set in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692, it is a fictionalized account of the infamous witch trials in the town. The play's protagonist is John Proctor, a respected farmer in the community who harbors a dark secret.

His character was also based on a man with the same name who married Martha Giddens, and they had one surviving child out of their four children. He was married three times and had seven children with his second wife. After the death of his second wife, he married a third wife who bore the same first name as his second wife.

The play also portrayed one of his wives; their strained relationship was a central plot point. Other vital characters in the play include their former servant Abigail Williams, Reverend Parris, the town's minister, and Reverend Hale, a witchcraft expert. Read some of John Proctor's quotes from the play.

John Proctor's quote: "A man will not cast away his good name. You surely know that." | Image: AmoDays

John Proctor Quotes about Elizabeth

"I have gone tiptoe in this house all seven months since she is gone. I have not moved from there to there without, I think to please you, and still, an everlasting funeral marches around your heart. I cannot speak, but I am doubted, every moment judged for lies, as though I come into a court when I come into this house!" — John Proctor

"But if she say she is pregnant, then she must be! That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth." — John Proctor

"Spare me! You forget nothin' and forgive nothin'. Learn charity, woman." — John Proctor

"Not enough for expressing all the ideas in the play. One says things about John who doesn't mention God as much in life while making a living and a life with Elizabeth." — John Proctor

John Proctor's quote: "But if she say she is pregnant, then she must be! That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth." | Image: AmoDays

John Proctor Quotes about Abby

"A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything. I know it now. I beg you, sir; I beg you—see her what she is… She thinks to dance with me on my wife's grave! And well she might, for I thought of her softly. God help me…" — John Proctor

"Abby, I may think of you softly from time to time [...] Wipe it out of mind. We never touched Abby." — John Proctor

"You are pulling Heaven down..." — John Proctor

John Proctor Quotes about Good and Evil Things in Life

"Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" — John Proctor

"I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another. I have no tongue for it." — John Proctor

John Proctor's quote: "You are pulling heaven down..." | Image: AmoDays

"I should have roared you down when first you told me your suspicion. But I wilted, and, like a Christian, I confessed. Confessed! Some dream I had must have mistaken you for God that day." — John Proctor

"If the girl's a saint now, I think it is not easy to prove she's a fraud." — John Proctor

"I can. And there's your first marvel, that I can. You have made your magic now, for now. I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor. Not enough to weave a banner with, but white enough to keep it from such dogs." — John Proctor

"I am John Proctor! You will not use me! It is no part of salvation that you should use me!" — John Proctor

John Proctor's quote: "If the girl's a saint now, I think it is not easy to prove she's a fraud." | Image: AmoDays

"He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him." — John Proctor

"You're wicked yet aren't you." — John Proctor

"There is a promise made in any bed." — John Proctor

"The biggest communication problem is we do not listen understand, we listen to reply." — John Proctor

John Proctor's quote: "He has his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him." | Image: AmoDays

"Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were..." — John Proctor

"Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers?" — John Proctor

"We vote by name in this society, not by acreage." — John Proctor

"Let you look to your own improvement before you go to judge your husband anymore." — John Proctor

"… Vengeance is walking Salem… We are what we always were in Salem, but now the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the kingdom, and common vengeance writes the law!" — John Proctor

John Proctor's quote: "Peace. It is a providence, and no great change; we are only what we always were..." | Image: AmoDays

"A man will not cast away his good name. You surely know that." — John Proctor

"I falter nothing, but I may wonder if my story will be credited in such a court. I do wonder on it when such a steady-minded minister as you will suspicion such a woman that never lied, and cannot, and the world knows she cannot! I may falter somewhat, Mister; I am no fool." — John Proctor

John Proctor's quote: "We vote by name in this society, not by acreage." | Image: AmoDays

The play explores themes of doubt, power, and integrity, and its characters reflect the social and political climate of the time. It explored how fear, suspicion, and paranoia can lead to mass hysteria and the persecution of innocent people.

At its core, "The Crucible" is a cautionary tale about the dangers of conformity and the importance of standing up for one's beliefs. It shows how the desire to conform to societal norms and the fear of being ostracized or punished can lead people to do terrible things, even when they know their actions are wrong.

Even though standing up for yourself can sometimes be challenging, you must do so, and these quotes will set you on the right path.