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Proctor's Reputation Depicted In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

899 Words4 Pages

The Crucible In a society where teenagers are envious of those who have more followers than they do on social media, reputation and status are extremely paramount. While these ideals are so prevalent in the life of modern-day high schoolers, teenagers of the 21st century did not invent the need to feel accepted. This theme of an overwhelming concern of one’s reputation can be traced all the way back to the 17th Century, during the era of the witch hunts. The renowned and esteemed novel -- The Crucible -- by Arthur Miller, provides a historical account of the Salem Witch trials while honing in on the convoluted relationships of the citizens of town. The major characters in The Crucible reveal the true essence of their personality through …show more content…

Previous to the witch hunt, Proctor had committed adultery by sleeping with Abigail Williams, and this evil act had caused him to live in fear of being discovered as an adulterator. However, after witnessing the constant disingenuous acts of Abigail throughout the entirety of the witch hunt, Proctor gave himself up for the prosperity of the community when he declares, “I have known her, sir. I have... known her” (Act III). Through Proctor’s confession to adultery in front of the court, readers can fully understand the compassion he possesses. This revelation is possible because, John was fully aware of the abominable charges he would have to face, but he was willing to be killed if it would mean the end of Abigail’s antics and thus the end of the death of innocent people. Furthermore, Proctor’s honorable personality shines through again when the court asks for a formal signature to …show more content…

Unlike John Proctor, Abigail believes herself superior to everyone else, and she will do whatever it may take to get ahead in the world. She can be seen in the first scenes of the play making up blatant lies when she yells, “I‘ll tell you something. She comes to me while I sleep; she‘s always making me dream corruptions!” (Act I). This quote which captures Abigail accusing Tituba of witchcraft shows her sheer sense of evil. Abigail knows the impeccably high standards of the Puritan society and the brutal punishment that would come if one did conspire with the devil, yet she puts Tituba into this situation. Later, she proves herself even more wicked by silently watching the agony she bestowed upon innocent Tituba. Not only did this accusation deeply injure an innocent woman, but it allowed for the beginnings of the chaotic, devastating witch hunt. Instead of confessing and stopping dozens of people from dying, Abigail continued to agitate the situation by claiming to be bewitched by multiple people. For example, “ The wings! Her wings are spreading! Mary, please, don‘t, don‘t...! She‘s going to come down! She‘s walking the beam! Look out! She‘s coming down!” (Act II) Abigail only claimed to

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