Harry Potter

Harry Potter is a great series with many well-developed characters. As it so happens, certain aspects of at least one character parallel the situations of both Reverend Dimmesdale and John Proctor. I would like to focus on Harry Potter, himself, as the object of this connection.

First off, both John Proctor and Harry are clear and definite Christ figures. Harry sacrifices himself to Voldemort in order to weaken Voldemort, giving the anti-Voldemort group a chance to kill him once and for all. Proctor decides, when given the choice to ruin his name and live, or save his name (and his family's reputation) and die, he chooses the latter. He would rather die to protect others than to live with his family in shame for the foreseeable future. Also, Proctor could be hoping that if the townsfolk see him slaughtered, an innocent man, then this witch hunting operation will lose support and come to a close.

Christ was also a teacher and leader. Harry is the leader of Dumbledore's Army, teaching students to defend themselves. He did not want to be the leader but was forced into it by his friends. The prophecy also said that he was The Chosen One, and only he could kill Voldemort. Therefore, he has no choice but to get involved. Proctor did not want to be the voice of the opposition to the witch hunt, but when he found himself and his wife being accused, he had no choice but to be defiant and outspoken. Both Harry and Proctor are literally involved because they are fighting for their lives. On the contrary, all Dimmesdale wants is to be in charge and be respected. He, too, is the leader of a group, although he is happy in that position while Harry and Proctor both reluctantly take it.