How Does John Proctor Forgive Himself

Kayla Tillman 10/29/16

3rd period

Russow

English 3 The Crucible: John Proctor

Throughout the dynamic story of The Crucible ,written by Arthur Miller, many characters are introduced, all with different personalities. One character that stood out in the story was John Proctor because of his growth as an individual throughout the story. In the beginning John is a remorseful man who has a closeted secret that he cannot forgive himself for but towards the end of the story he starts to gradually show examples of courage and bravery. In the end he dies at peace with himself and with dignity. The Crucible contains many themes and hidden messages throughout the story, guilt is a major theme in play and primarily

John beggins showing bravery and courage when it comes to the things that really matter such as his wife’s life, his soon to be newborn baby, and his children. While deciding on whether or not to sign the confession at the end of the play Proctor yells “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 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!”. Proctor understands his reputation is at stake. Proctor also knows that it's not just his reputation that is at stake, it is also the lives of his kids, because if he confesses he will lose his land and lose a home for his children. Proctor must make the difficult decision of confessing and living but destroying his reputation or dying with dignity and being remembered as a good man. He has put everything on the line including his hidden secret to save his wife and ends up being accused and forced to accept his sin. He finally forgives himself for his immortality and when he does, so does his wife. He makes the decision to die as a holy man and a true puritan with