Here are some of the key ways he influenced the trials:
- He testified against Abigail Williams and the other accusing girls, accusing them of lying and witchcraft. Proctor was one of the few people who dared to speak out against the girls, and his testimony helped to cast doubt on their claims.
- He challenged the authority of the court and the procedures used to convict accused witches. Proctor argued that the court was biased and that the evidence against the accused was insufficient. He also criticized the use of spectral evidence (evidence based on dreams and visions) and the practice of forcing accused witches to confess under torture.
- He helped to organize a petition against the trials. Proctor helped to circulate a petition signed by 91 members of the community, which called for an end to the trials and the release of the accused.
- He was eventually arrested and executed for witchcraft himself. Proctor's outspoken criticism of the trials and his refusal to confess led to his own arrest and execution. His death further galvanized opposition to the trials and contributed to their eventual end.
John Proctor's influence on the Salem witch trials was significant and far-reaching. He was one of the few people who dared to stand up against the hysteria and injustice of the trials, and his actions helped to bring about their eventual end.