Student Question
What are Proctor's desires and needs in The Crucible?
Quick answer:
Proctor desires to restore his integrity and self-respect after his affair with Abigail, which has strained his marriage and filled his life with guilt and tension. He wishes to regain his wife's respect and trust, yearning for peace and self-acceptance. If given a chance, Proctor would likely undo his affair to mend his relationship and alleviate the simmering anger and guilt affecting his life.
Proctor wants to get his integrity and self-respect back. His affair with Abigail left him lacking these attributes, and his relationship with his wife is tenuous. By giving in to temptation, Proctor has made his life full of tension and guilt. There is a lot of anger simmering between he and his wife. Most likely, if Proctor were to be able to have a wish granted, he would choose to undo having had the affair with Abigail. Proctor also would like to have the respect and trust back in his marriage.
Proctor wants to feel good about himself again, and to be at peace with his life.
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