To my unborn child,
I write this letter knowing the
conclusion of my life is approaching. I am sorry that you will never have the
chance of meeting me, but as the court, I also feel that it is better that way.
I have few words, but those I must share are of greater meaning than you will
ever know. Promise me you will be...
Loyal
“Unswerving in allegiance”
(Merriam- Webster 1).
It may appear a simple task but I
will have you know it becomes much harder. Yet, with its challenges comes
reward. The strength of your loyalty can mean everything, being both your
personal and public life. You will come to realize that is every aspect of
society that matters to all individuals in a Puritan community. And while one
day I am sure you will be told the true story of what I did to bring upon the
end of my life, know that you should be nothing but loyal to your mother. For
she is willing to do anything for someone she loves, and she deserves to be
loved in the same way.
Kind
“Of a sympathetic or helpful
nature” (1).
With every individual that you
meet, be kind. Appearing of simplistic nature, the act of being kind will shape
your character within a community. While one day I hope you see the change, in
the society of Salem today, one’s reputation is of utmost importance. Thus, you
must create a reputation for your own through making the correct choices and
acting is kind ways.
Independent
“Not subject to control by others”
(1).
Lastly, I must suggest to you that
as you grow older, change for no one unless that individual be yourself.
Conform to no society, unless it be a choice you desire to make. Act, feel and
exist in your own ways, for following in others movements may not always be the
lighted path.
And with that I must say ask you to
express to your mother how much I truly love her. For through it all she sees
good will in me and remains understanding saying, “He hath his goodness now.
God forbid I take it from him!” (Miller 4.782-83).
Hence, I ask you to remind her
every day, of her generosity and strong being that brought me, though through
rough times, to be the loyal, kind and independent individual I am before I
must go.
Love,
Your father,
John Proctor
I really enjoyed your interpretation of John Proctor’s feelings before his death. Also, I thought it was very creative how you displayed his emotions in a letter. If John Proctor had not been sentenced to death, how do you think his views on conformity would have changed from when he was sentenced to death?
ReplyDeleteYou did a really great job with this post! The tone of the letter made it feel like it was from the play itself and the seriousness or solemn tone taken caused me to look at the meaning in the lines more closely. I thought it was interesting how you emphasized loyalty when it was the one thing the villagers lacked, and that you also addressed how difficult it would be for a child of Proctor to feel loyal to the town. The conveying of a parent's love is done very well!
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ReplyDeleteI really liked your interpretation of how the play would’ve continued. I agree with your opinion that Proctor’s true character would’ve been shown if he lived longer. How do you think Elizabeth would’ve responded to this letter? Also, do you think the citizens of Salem would’ve thought more highly of Proctor after reading this?
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