John Proctor vs. Juror No. 8
What's the Difference?
John Proctor, from Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," and Juror No. 8, from Reginald Rose's "12 Angry Men," both exhibit qualities of integrity, courage, and a strong sense of justice. Proctor stands up against the hysteria and injustice of the Salem witch trials, refusing to falsely confess to witchcraft and ultimately sacrificing his own life for the truth. Juror No. 8, on the other hand, challenges the group's initial guilty verdict in a murder trial, advocating for a fair and thorough examination of the evidence to ensure that an innocent man is not wrongly convicted. Both characters demonstrate a willingness to stand alone in the face of opposition and fight for what they believe is right, making them compelling and admirable figures in their respective stories.
Comparison
Attribute | John Proctor | Juror No. 8 |
---|---|---|
Occupation | Farmer | Architect |
Role in society | Respected member of the community | Leader in the jury room |
Personality | Strong-willed, independent | Logical, calm |
Motivation | To protect his reputation and family | To ensure a fair trial for the defendant |
Further Detail
Background
John Proctor is a character from Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," set in Salem during the witch trials. He is a farmer who is known for his strong-willed and independent nature. Juror No. 8, on the other hand, is a character from Reginald Rose's play "Twelve Angry Men," set in a jury room during a murder trial. He is a calm and rational man who is willing to stand alone in his beliefs.
Integrity
Both John Proctor and Juror No. 8 exhibit a strong sense of integrity in their actions. Proctor refuses to falsely confess to witchcraft, even though it would save his life. He chooses to die with his integrity intact rather than compromise his principles. Juror No. 8, similarly, stands firm in his belief that the defendant in the murder trial is innocent. He is willing to face the anger and opposition of the other jurors in order to uphold his sense of justice.
Leadership
While both Proctor and Juror No. 8 demonstrate leadership qualities, they do so in different ways. Proctor is a natural leader who commands respect from those around him. He is not afraid to speak his mind and take charge of a situation. Juror No. 8, on the other hand, leads by example. He calmly and methodically presents his arguments to the other jurors, gradually winning them over to his point of view through his logical reasoning and persistence.
Courage
Both Proctor and Juror No. 8 display courage in the face of adversity. Proctor risks his reputation and ultimately his life by standing up against the hysteria of the witch trials. He refuses to back down, even when faced with the threat of death. Juror No. 8, likewise, shows courage by challenging the other jurors and standing up for what he believes is right. He faces intense pressure and hostility from the other jurors but remains steadfast in his convictions.
Empathy
While Proctor and Juror No. 8 are both strong-willed individuals, they also demonstrate empathy towards others. Proctor shows empathy towards his wife, Elizabeth, and tries to make amends for his past mistakes. He also shows compassion towards those accused of witchcraft, even though it puts him at odds with the rest of the community. Juror No. 8, on the other hand, shows empathy towards the defendant in the murder trial. He is the only juror who takes the time to consider the evidence carefully and put himself in the defendant's shoes.
Conclusion
In conclusion, John Proctor and Juror No. 8 are both complex and compelling characters who share many admirable qualities. They both exhibit integrity, leadership, courage, and empathy in their actions. While Proctor is a more forceful and outspoken leader, Juror No. 8 is a calm and rational presence who leads by example. Both characters serve as examples of individuals who are willing to stand up for what they believe in, even in the face of overwhelming opposition.
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