The Crucible - John Proctor's name

A detailed Summary of The Crucible - John Proctor's name

In The Crucible, Miller seeks to depict the significance of one's "name" within the Salem community. One's "name" is parallel to one's reputation, as it is permanent and paints a picture of one's true self to the town. One's name becomes increasingly important at a time when finger-pointing and false accusations can easily bring about its demise. Early in the play, John Proctor sees the preservation of his reputation as priority above all else. To him, a name lasts a lifetime. He is reluctant to do anything that would challenge the purity of his name. Even giving up vital information in court that may put an end to the executions is difficult to do, because it shows him as the lecher he is. Towards the end, Proctor realizes that a "name" is only as decent as the soul it represents. He is faced with the decision of his soul over his name, and in the

In the court, Abigail is seen as a saint who is doing her duty of finding the witches in Salem. Elizabeth asks John to expose Abigail for the fraud she is, and he isn't willing to do it, even though he says he will. "I'll find Ezekiel Cheever. I'll tell him she said it were all sport." (Miller, 61) This information is crucial, but Proctor hesitates to share it because he would have to admit that he had an affair with Abigail. This would ruin his name, which he holds so dear. It is only when he wife is accused or witchcraft does he step up and confess. "I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name-- you will believe me Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one!" (miller, 111) This however, backfires, ironically because Elizabeth tries to save John's good name. Here, we see that he was willing

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Approximate Word count = 574
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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The Crucible - John Proctor's name

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