The Crucible Argumentative Essay John Proctor should have risked taking a stand against a system that was against his beliefs. In the past, people have sacrificed themselves for what they believed in. As seen in The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John Proctor defies the court, and it results in his execution. John Proctor should have risked taking the stand, because he maintained his reputation as a good man and role model. His act of defiance resulted in death, but caused the people of Salem to question the court, which prevents any future deaths for suspected witchery. By refusing to lie, John Proctor preserved his name and held up his personal convictions. However, some may say that this was self-serving, because he left his family destitute, and his wife husbandless and his children fatherless. Nevertheless, “How can I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!...Because It is my name! Because I cannot have another one in my life!...Proctor tears the paper and crumples it.”(143 & 144) This quote proves that John Proctor preserved his dignity and soul, and followed his moral compass in doing the right thing. Contributing to the previous detail, “I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor...It …show more content…
His death benefitted the future Salem’s people, because they suspected that the court was fraud and overthrew the court, preventing further executions for suspected witchery. John Proctor’s choice of good connects to Arthur Miller’s purpose, because both people chose to defy a strong system that was against their beliefs, and accepted a punishment that would affect themselves and their loved ones forever. Both Arthur Miller and John Proctor were suspected of doing wrong, and both accepted the consequence in order to preserve their name and