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Essay on John Proctor ("The Crucible"): There are many figures throughout history and in literature who have sacrificed their lives for a principle. They believed so passionately in an idea that they were willing to make the ultimate sacrifice, their lives, for it. For example, William Wallace, the Scottish patriot who led a rebellion against King Edward I of England, would not repent even as he was professionally tortured, but he instead cried out for freedom for the Scots. For William Wallace, as with John Proctor in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible , a choice was made. Both men had an opportunity to save themselves, but chose instead to die for their beliefs. John Proctor makes the decision to tear up his confession and doom himself when Reverend Danforth asks him, "Is that document a lie?" (886) because he realizes that honesty is more important to him. The definitive Greek tragic hero is well-born with a tragic flaw which ultimately leads to his downfall. John Proctor and William Wallace are not classic tragic heroes. Neither man was of noble birth; they were not saintly men, and both committed their share of sins. Proctor says of his soul, "Nothing's spoiled by giving them this lie that