Editor's Choice
In The Crucible (act 3), what does Proctor's statement to Francis imply?
Quick answer:
Proctor's statement to Francis in Act 3 highlights the contrast between their moral standings. Proctor wishes Francis had experienced moral failings, like his own lechery, to truly understand his predicament. This implies that Proctor feels isolated in his guilt and believes that only someone who has sinned similarly could empathize with his shame and the burden of his confession. Francis's uprightness makes it difficult for him to grasp Proctor's complex situation.
In one of the most dramatic moments of the play, John Proctor publicly admits that he has committed lechery with Abigail Williams in an attempt to undermine her authority and prove that the girls are frauds. Immediately after John tells Deputy Governor Danforth that he has "known" Abigail, Francis Nurse does not believe him and tells John that he should not say such things. John responds by telling Francis
Oh, Francis, I wish you had some evil in you that you might know me!"
John Proctor is aware that Francis Nurse is a morally-upright, righteous man who is a God-fearing Christian and has never committed adultery. Proctor is acknowledging that Francis is a righteous man and saying that Francis cannot fully comprehend his difficult situation because he has never committed such a vile offense. According to John Proctor, Francis cannot comprehend the guilt and shame he lives with on an everyday basis because Francis has not committed adultery. In order for Francis to be able to sympathize with John, he must have committed some offense that left him feeling extremely guilty and embarrassed.
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