In theocratic Salem, where personal and public morality is synonymous, reputation is crucial. The dread of guilt by association becomes especially harmful in a setting where reputation is so important. The residents of Salem are concerned with upholding their good reputations and must be concerned that the transgressions of their friends and associates would tarnish their names. The desire to preserve their reputations is the motivation behind the acts of many personalities. Parris worries that his reputation will be threatened and that his removal from the pulpit will be caused by Abigail's increasingly dubious conduct and the suggestions of witchcraft surrounding his daughter's coma as the play opens. John Proctor, the main character, tries …show more content…
In his final act, Proctor atones for his mistakes and delivers a scathing denunciation of the witch trials. He nearly gives in when given a chance to admit his guilt in front of everyone and yet survives, even signing a written confession, but withholds his infidelity to save face from the court because of his great pride and concern for public opinion. Even yet, towards the play's conclusion, he is more concerned about maintaining his integrity than his good name. He still wants to preserve his name for purely personal and religious reasons. Proctor is taking a real spiritual and emotional stand by refusing to give a fake confession. Such a confession would disgrace his fellow inmates who dared to give their lives as witnesses to the truth. At the play's conclusion, Proctor makes the bold decision to walk to his death without attesting to an untrue assertion because he wants to maintain his excellent reputation. He exclaims to Danforth, "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" in Act IV. He makes up for his past mistake and dies with integrity by refusing to give up his