In both of these works, we see one person's dramatic ability to change, either for the better or for the worse. Such an ability can give us hope that we can always redeem ourselves in our own eyes by making choices with integrity; however, it could also convey to us the need to always be thoughtful and purposeful in our decisions: the difference between being a good person and a bad one is a matter...
In both of these works, we see one person's dramatic ability to change, either for the better or for the worse. Such an ability can give us hope that we can always redeem ourselves in our own eyes by making choices with integrity; however, it could also convey to us the need to always be thoughtful and purposeful in our decisions: the difference between being a good person and a bad one is a matter of choice.
John Proctor begins the play as a conflicted man, torn between wanting to think of himself as a good and righteous man and feeling like a fraud because he cheated on his wife with their seventeen year-old servant, Abigail Williams. By the play's end, he considers lying to save his own life because, in his mind, it would not ruin anything that was not already ruined before. Eventually, he rediscovers his own goodness when he resolves not to lie and to exercise integrity in this decision. He redeems himself and dies righteous.
Macbeth, however, goes in the opposite direction. He begins the play as a loyal friend and devoted subject and kinsman to his king. However, he allows his ambition and pride to overrule his more noble feelings, eventually becoming resigned to violence in order to hold onto his power and position.
We learn from these men that it can take as little as one decision to completely change who we are. When Proctor decides not to lie and when Macbeth decides to kill his king, they both change dramatically, one for the better and one for (much) worse.
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