Dignity In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Dignity People often feel very strongly about a certain idea or belief. That belief may make up their personality and who they are. Without that idea, they may not exhibit their true identity. Some even go as far to die for that belief because without it they are not themselves. In Arthur Miller's play, dignity and reflection of one's self plays an important role in what makes up a person's character. Through John Proctor's actions and words, Miller's element of tragedy that emphasizes laying down one's life for personal dignity is demonstrated in The Crucible as people will go any extent to accomplish their desires and fight for their beliefs, despite the consequences because they are trying to protect who they are. Tragedy lies within

Motivation is evoked when one feels so strongly about an idea, he or she will go any extend to accomplish it. Other people can lead the individual by example as well. John Proctor exclaims once again about the significance of holding his name. He also recognizes the actions and bravery of others before him: ““Proctor, with a cry of his whole soul: “Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” (Miller 143). Proctor is giving significant credit and recognition to those who did not give into lying to protect their lives but rather died truthful. He is saying he is not worth even the dust on the feet of those that were hung simply because he even for a little gave into the confession. Miller’s element of tragedy that emphasizes a man laying his life down for his integrity is clearly evident in this scene. Proctor acknowledges others before him who have stood by their beliefs and thinks he is worthless compared to them for even merely thinking of confessing a lie. It is tragic that in order for one to keep his dignity and fight for a belief he feels so strongly about, he must die. In order to accomplish one’s desires, strong motivation for change must exist. Author, Steven R. Centola, comments on the will to fight against limitations that may be preventing one to

Society and government can inflict consequences on one’s desires. Miller’s element of tragedy is emphasized through the struggle one must go through to achieve his or her goals and what stands up against he or she. Steven R. Centola addresses the heroic figure one portrays when society is against he or she: “Miller's play transcends cultural and geographical boundaries with its inspired depiction of one man's heroic struggle to preserve his honor when threatened by a corrupt state authority” (Centola 1). Society often follows government rules without hesitation because they do not know better and do not want to face the consequences that result from acting against the government. However, the few that are willing to fight against corrupt government ways demonstrate heroic characters as they are the ones to initiate change in society. John Proctor would not confess to witchcraft simply to get out of death. He felt as though holding his dignity and integrity exceeded living in deceit. Despite the consequences he had to face, Proctor stood by his worth and beliefs. Tragedy lies in the inability for one to accomplish his or her desires due to unethical ways of others. A tragic hero is demonstrated when one no one longer cares about the consequences that will result and would rather lay down his life than lie to himself and