John Proctor in Act I

In Act I, John Proctor is first mentioned when he enters Reverend Parris' s house to join the girls. After this event, Abigail William catches Proctor, and tells him that she waits for him every night (Elements of Literature, 1224). Proctor denies that night that they've had an affair, so Abigail starts to insult Elizabeth, John's wife. In turn, Proctor threatens to whip Abigail for insulting her. Abigail swore that she will get her revenge on the Proctor's. This scene foreshadows the doom of either the Proctor's or Abigail Williams.


After this event, Parris starts singing a psalm, and Betty, the girl that in a "trance," starts screaming. Everybody gathers around her and Mrs. Putnam concluded that since Betty is bewitched, she cannot bear to hear the Lord's name.Proctor asked Parris if he consulted the legal authority about this form of witchcraft before calling Reverend Hale. Mr. Putnam demands that Parris should search for signs of witchcraft. However, Proctor reminded Putnam that he cannot make command people on the basis of wealth. Putnam also tells Proctor that he should not worry about the government because he does not attend church daily like a regular citizen. This shows that Proctor is different from most regular citizens. At this time, Proctor feels threatened and seems suspicious.