Examples Of Pride In The Crucible

In the Catholic Church, one of the Seven Deadly Sins is excessive pride in oneself. Most people have pride and demonstrate it in their daily lives. Some people have pride in their religion, while others take pride in their accomplishments. The Catholic Church sees pride being a sin because people only think of themselves when they show their pride. Instead of focusing on themselves, the Church wants their followers to help other people. Arthur Miller’s The Crucible demonstrates how excessive pride leads to the downfall of male characters, John Proctor and Reverend Hale. John Proctor is a proud man with a good name in Salem, Massachusetts and in order to uphold it, he must be prideful and deceiving, which eventually leads to his demise. John Proctor is married to Elizabeth Proctor, but has a secret affair with the old family maid, Abigail Williams. In order to save his relationship with his wife, John “wilts, and like a Christian, [he] confesses” (55). Proctor also confesses to the affair because he has pride in his name. The affair with Abigail causes hurt between John and Elizabeth’s relationship, but they remain together. Confessing to the affair leads to Proctor’s downfall because his reputation has been ruined and the people of Salem do

I am no Sarah Good or Tituba, I am John Proctor,” (142-43) proves that Proctor believes he is better than everyone in the courtroom. He does not want to be compared to women who are considered low in the town. Because of his actions, Proctor was condemned to be hanged, which leads to his downfall. John Proctor signs the confession on paper, then rips it and announces “How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name” (143). John Proctor refuses to give up his integrity. After the confessions about his affair, his name is all he has left. He would rather die with pride than lie. John Proctor’s demonstration of excessive pride to keep his reputation strong ultimately leads to his