ACT 4: “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!” (Miller 153). This quote truly demonstrates Proctors character as a whole, as he is willing to be hung for the sake of proving his worth to the court. Specifically, Proctor knows he is truly innocent, and wants to make the courts aware of his innocence. His unwillingness to confess to witchcraft, is because of his personal beliefs regarding reputation. From this I can infer that John Proctors reputation in society was important to him than being hung for a crime he did not commit. The theme …show more content…
He argues that his conviction of witchcraft, will serve as a model, for then others to openly declare of their involvement in witchcraft. Throughout the town of Salem, John Proctor almost has a sense of authority over the other townspeople. His lack of religious background allowed him to be easily convicted, as witchcraft could be associated with religion. The phrase, “good instruction of the village,” is almost saying that because of his conviction, it will give the accused a reason to convict to witchcraft too. John Proctor is upset that his name must be posted for all the village to see, because it will tarnish his name. John Proctor’s character is one based on reputation, and guilt. The guilt comes from his affair with Abigail Williams. The reputation aspect comes from when he is accused by Mary Warren of trying to turn her to the Devil. I believe that John Proctor grows tired of the accusations, as to why he speaks of his false involvement with Satan in front of the town. Specifically, Deputy Danforth uses John Proctor as an example for conviction as he is certain he will be able to turn others