Examples Of Moral Integrity In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

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There are many points in our lives in which we may be forced to make decisions that may prove to define us as a person. In some cases, these choices can impact those around us as well as ourselves, though not always for their benefit. When ones moral integrity is brought into question by others in exchange for their life, they must then make a decision upon whether they value their personal and social honour or their own life more, which may cause them to succumb to hasty decision making, which could lead to their demise, or the possible harming of others. This reality of life is evident in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and comes to light in a multitude of situations, and in both aspects of the hypothetical decision; with characters choosing …show more content…

Throughout Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, there are few examples of characters that choose to uphold their own integrity rather than save their life, such as John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse. However, there are many characters, such as Mary Warren, who choose to sacrifice their honesty and integrity in order to save their own life. Overall, Arthur Miller’s The Crucible speaks for both types of people in this situation: those that are honourable, and those that are dishonourable in their actions. Both types of characters draw upon different aspects of human nature. For example, self preservation is evident in those that chose to accuse rather than be accused themselves as well as those that lied and made false confessions in order to save their life. In addition, aspects of jealousy can be recognized in many of the accusers, as many of them wish to gain something that the accused have by accusing the individuals that they do. As well, pride can be discovered in those that chose to tell the truth and deny the allegations made against them and in turn risking their life, all for the sake of maintaining their honesty. The Crucible brings up many of the harsh realities of life in that in most cases, if someone sees a way in which they can gain by disadvantaging you or someone else, most people will take the opportunity and better their life at the expense of your