John Proctor, Abigail Williams, And Reverend Parris: The Salem Witch Trial

The desire to have a good name is the goal of most townspeople in Salem 1692 . In fact, that pursuit may have been the cause for all the events that occurred. John Proctor, Abigail Williams, and Reverend Parris all have an ongoing concern for their reputation that spurs their actions and increases the effects of the Salem Witch Trial in 1692.

John Proctor obsesses over his name’s sake and dies to preserve and purify it. He signed his name to a piece of paper declaring that he inhabited a witch like lifestyle. When the judge asked John to give him the paper, John refused and said, “Damn the village! I confess to God, and God has seen my name on this! It is enough!” (Miller 132).Towards the end of the argument and still refusing to sign the paper that tells the townspeople he has succomb to the wicked ways he shouts. His words could be heard by all in attendance, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the

In his pursuit to protect his name chaos ensues. He tries to attain information from Abigail about the dancing and says, “It must come out- my enemies will bring it out. Let me know what you done there. Abigail, do you understand that I have many enemies?” (Miller 10). Reverend Parris remains concerned and begins to involve more enemies, those people who believe he is a hypocrite. "There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit. Do you understand that?” (Miller 10). “And I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry’s at stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin’s life” (Miller 11). He becomes so exasperated that he begins threatening Abigail. All the weight is on Abigail to tell the truth or lie and failure to make the right choice could lead to multiple people being killed. She chose to lie and as a result nineteen people