Integrity And Reputation In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

735 Words3 Pages

Integrity and reputation are values humans have cherished ever since the beginning of time. In excess integrity and reputation can lead to hubris having an unwarranted amount of self-importance. Integrity affects not only adults and celebrities, but also young children. But what will one do to keep their integrity and reputation upheld is the real test, a crucible that will take their whole strength to confront. Some may be willing to die and suffer to keep their name and pride. Arthur Miller creates an accurate portrayal of integrity and reputation in many of his characters in The Crucible. In the tragic play, Reverend Parris, Danforth, and John present the theme of integrity and reputation in various ways. From the beginning, Reverend Parris struggles to preserve his integrity and reputation, resulting in the misfortune of others. Because he was stationed in the church of Salem for only a short period of time he begins to be warped with the townspeople’s respect toward him. When Betty is sick, he wants her to get better, but he’s also hoping for it not be witchcraft for his reputation’s sake. He hopes it’s not witchcraft …show more content…

John is a simple farmer that goes through many obstacles trying to keep his reputation. This is significantly harder for him to do because of the affair with Abigail. His care for reputation and integrity caused him his life. “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign my name to lies! Because I am not worth a dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave my name!”(143) Proctor name is all he has left and he wouldn’t want his name slandered on the door for everyone to see. Because of this obsession with his name, it leads him to be hanged when he could have confessed and lived. Showing that to John Proctor his name, his dignity is more important than his own