John Proctor's death in The Crucible was NOT all for nothing. Why?

John Proctor is easily seen in the end of this play as a "hero" who stands up to the corruption of a society that chooses to uphold the church for reasons other than those that are in the interest of the pure Christian belief. Remember that Miller wrote this play in response to the blacklisting that occurred in the McCarthy era. Freedom of expression artistically and politically was being robbed under the premise that such personal freedoms were a threat to American society.

If we dig deeper into the character, we also recognize that John represents the frailty of man. He fed his desires to have a young woman despite his family reputation in the community.  Did he think he would never be discovered? Did he then go against the church to justify his illicit actions? Did his wife blame herself for turning from him because he had control over her? Does he ever take responsibility for his actions regarding Abigail?

Many argue that Abigail is the evildoer; however, could she represent the loss of innocence in a society overwrought with fear of its own sense of freedom? A freedom that refuses to provide equity for all its citizens. Could she represent the outcome of a future generation when a free society struggles with these fears?

She like Mary Warren and Elizabeth, has no control over her future-she, as a woman, is the drone of the colonial societal structure. Abigail chooses to fight back, and Mary gives in. Elizabeth blames herself. Contrary to Mary and Elizabeth's devotion to God, religion has not given Abigail any comfort. The notion of providence further complicates their relationships.

Does Abigail fight because she has few options?  Does belief in God guarantee the protection of innocence? Not for Abigail.  Abigail's parents were killed while she slept in her bed; her uncle is resentful and unloving.  No one is protecting her. Abigail’s only sense of control is gained from voodoo chants in the forest.   John is seen as the golden ring of opportunity—she pursues him and, in her naiveté, interprets his actions to be "love". His ego allows her to proceed. Does he accept the affair because he knows she has no recourse if it is discovered? Can he justify the offering because he is a man with sexual needs?

Could John's death perhaps represent the death of selfishness in us all?  It takes the near hanging of the mother of his sons before he realizes the impact of his indulgence. It takes the epic scale of witch-hunts and death before he realizes that his self-righteousness is an integral piece of the very thing he despises--gross self-indulgence as a privileged member of a not-so-free society.   To the bitter end he blames Abigail--someone much younger in years and who has markedly less options in society-- for his decisions. Perhaps John dies because we all need to have that aspect of ourselves die.

Freedom for all is an ideal, but rarely real. Abigail disappears-- as mysteriously as she enters. When innocence is so easily taken can it be restored? What does John Proctor's death teach us about the cost of freedom and selfishness?