The Crucible is a play written in 1953 by Arthur Miller. When accused of witchcraft by his former servant, Mary Warren, John Proctor finds himself stuck between confessing to save his life or staying true to himself/his principles and face being hanged. He is torn between doing what others think is best and what is morally right, even if it means sacrificing his life. It is acceptable to sacrifice your life for your principles because it allows you to maintain your sense of self as well as preserve the respect others have for you.
When you sacrifice your life for your principles, you maintain your sense of self. In the play, Proctor was hesitant to sign the confession upon hearing it would be posted on the church doors for the town to see.
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In an analytical article entitled “The Crucible What’s Up With the Ending?” it states “Though the character of Proctor is often lauded for his integrity, is he really helping his family by dying? His wife, sons, and unborn child will have to make it in the world without him (Shmoop).” By ending his life, John Proctor is not benefiting his family in anyway. In fact, by doing so, he would actually be doing more harm than good. His children will be forced to grow up with one less parent to guide them. This can be perceived as selfish seeing as though John Proctor views his self-image as more important than his …show more content…
However, by signing the confession John Proctor would be causing harm to a greater amount of people. In The Crucible, John says “I have three children--how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends? (pg 132).” Proctor feels that he won’t be setting a good example for his kids by selling out his friends. John Proctor knows that by signing the confession, he’s not only saying that he took part in witchcraft, but his friends did as well. His confession makes their already doubtful stories in the eyes of the court, lose