John Proctor in Act IV

In Act IV, readers will see how John Proctor's life came to a heroic end. After John was arrested, Danforth urges Elizabeth to persuade John to confess to witchcraft. She tries to persuade him to confess. However, Proctor asked Elizabeth if he should confess. This scene shows that even though Elizabeth and John lost everything, they still have their love and values. After having an argument with himself, John finally decided to confess. Danforth and Judge Hathorne grabs some paper so that Proctor can write his confession in writing. Proctor asked Danforth why did his confession had to be written. Danforth tells Proctor that his confession will be hung on the church door so that the confession will encourage other people to confess.

From this scene on, readers will see the true side of Proctor. After Proctor signed the confession. He wanted to rip it up. He says that it is enough that the men have witnessed him admitting his crime. He refused to have his name nailed to the church door, showing that he does not need to have his name out into the open for God's approval. So, Proctor rips the confession in half, and was then sentenced to be hanged. This scene showed that even though John Proctor was innocent, he still sacrificed himself for the good of others.