Arthur Miller, in his play "The Crucible", reveals the important truth that John Proctor had an affair with the manipulative Abigail Williams during Act III in the dramatic courtroom scene. This truth is a vital contribution to the play as it provides the evidence that the witch-hunts with which the whole play is about are in fact a result of Abigail's plan to remove Elizabeth Proctor from John's life and take her place. It is as John says, a "whore's vengeance" despite the fact that he fails to prove it. The revelation of this truth is significant to our understanding of the character John Proctor - his individual crisis and conscience and his love for Elizabeth.
Miller develops the idea that the revelation of the truth of John Proctor's affair could end all of the accusations of witchcraft in Salem and bring the town back to order thus making it important. However, John delays revealing this truth for fear of losing his good reputation in the town.
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He claims "I am no good man" and is constantly trying to do the right thing and make correct decisions to show he is not all bad to both himself and his wife. Proctor therefore faces an inner crisis when his wife is accused of witchcraft and arrested. He faces the decision of sacrificing his name and saving Elizabeth or keeping his name and dealing with the guilt for not trying to save her. However, Proctor's individual conscience takes over as he realizes his wife is being punished because of his acts and claims "goodness shall not die for me". As a result of Proctor's choice to reveal the truth of his affair and save his wife, his commitment and care for her is revealed. In a way Proctor is also sacrificing his life for her as if he is found out to be lying he may also be arrested and hanged, thus emphasizing even further his love for