Which commandment does John Proctor fail to remember?

John Proctor fails to remember the commandment "Thou shall not commit adultery." This moment is significant as it underscores Proctor's guilt and internal struggle regarding his affair with Abigail Williams, which is a central plot point in "The Crucible." His inability to recall this commandment illustrates his deep-seated shame and the moral conflict he faces throughout the play.

The emphasis on this particular commandment serves as a reflection of Proctor's character development and the broader themes of sin, redemption, and the consequences of one's actions in Puritan society. The recall of the commandments is a test of moral awareness, and Proctor's omission is poignant because it directly relates to his personal sin, offering a moment of dramatic irony when he fails to recognize the significance of his own past actions.

In contrast, the other commandments do not directly pertain to Proctor’s personal failings in the same way, making his forgetfulness of the commandment against adultery particularly critical to the narrative and thematic structure of the play.