Ask AI: 8. Did Proctor actually love Abigail in the crucible

In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," the nature of John Proctor's feelings towards Abigail Williams is complex. At one point, Proctor had an affair with Abigail, indicating that he had some strong feelings for her, whether it was lust, infatuation, or a sense of longing for something missing in his marriage. However, by the time the events of the play unfold, Proctor is determined to end the affair and repair his relationship with his wife, Elizabeth. He expresses regret and guilt over his actions, indicating that his primary loyalty and deeper love are for his wife. Proctor’s rejection of Abigail and his attempts to stop her manipulations show that whatever feelings he had for her have changed. His focus shifts towards integrity, redemption, and the well-being of his family. Thus, it can be inferred that Proctor's feelings for Abigail were not genuine love but rather a temporary and ultimately regrettable lapse in judgment.