The Crucible Reputation Essay

Wesley Johnson

Wilson

English 11

Blk. 2

3-12-23

Preserving one’s reputation is a prevalent theme in The Crucible. Examine two characters in detail who are concerned with their reputations. How does this affect how they act? How are their situations similar or different? In their perspective, is a good name more important than the truth?

The Intentions of Reputability

“I am accused?” (Miller 1273). Elizabeth softly spoke these words in Act 2 of Arthur Miller’s The Crucible and would not be the last character to question their accusation. In many situations, one lie can easily compound into a series of lies. In The Crucible this is true in the sense that many false accusations are compounded on eachother. By examining Judge Danforth and John

It is clear that Proctor places importance on how people view him. For example, John Proctor is faced with a tough situation after he commits adultery with Abigail. “I mean to please you Elizabeth” (Miller 1268). Proctor says this to Elizabeth, making it clear to her that he holds more importance in the relationship with his wife than his reputation. Proctor goes with the hard decision to come forward with the truth, he could've easily denied it. However, by being honest, he gets viewed as an honest, truthful man, even after the irresponsible act he committed. Not only did he want to be viewed as pure in the eyes of the community, but also in the eyes of god. Later in the play, John is accused of witchcraft, and once again is faced with a tough decision to make. Proctor lies, and admits to witchery, but quickly rips the signed confession: “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 1333). Proctor believes life is not worth living if you are seen as a witch. Instead of being seen as a witch, proctor elects to die with his name intact. John Proctor shows throughout the play that he feels his reputation is of highest

Danforth is in charge of the proceedings during the witch trials. He controls a lot of power, able to decide who indeed has witch-craft inside of them. Danforth says to Mary Warren during the trials, “Do you know who I am?” (Miller 1313). Danforth says this arrogantly, as if he is above everyone else in the trials. Lines like this make it clear that Danforth uses the witch trials to further his power and notoriety, instead of correctly adjudicating the potential crimes. Having this attitude towards the trials makes the decisions he makes questionable, as they are made without integrity. Danforth also rules very strictly, any sign of witchcraft was taken as the truth, no matter the amount of evidence. Judge Danforth was asked many times to postpone the hangings, “Postponement now speaks of floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now” (Miller 1324). Danforth saying this makes it evident that he is concerned most with how people view his decisions, instead of making the fair decision. Danforth is to be blamed for a large sum of hangings taking place, many not because they were the correct decision, but because Danforth ruled for the sake of his reputation. Danforth seeked a good reputation with much different intentions than John Proctor. In fact, Proctor sacrificed his own life for his reputation, while Danforth sacrificed