One central motif in the play, The Crucible, is the importance of a good name. The meaning of a good name to John Proctor at the end of the play, however, is vastly different from the good name that Reverend Parris seeks.
For some people, such as Reverend Parris and Judge Danforth, a good name is only good for pride and reputation. Reverend Parris is very greedy and repeatedly demonstrates selfish behavior throughout the play. Parris thinks only to protect his good reputation and keep his position as minister in the town of Salem. In the beginning of the play Parris’s daughter, Betty, was sick in her bed; instead of being worried about his daughter, Parris’s main concern was what people would think about the chance of witchcraft in his house. At the end of the play Parris expresses his
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Proctor is not like most men in puritan times. He does not go to church every Sunday, he does not know every commandment and he acted in adultery. But being the main character, he is The Crucible’s protagonist and hero. Proctor is stubborn and speaks his mind. He suffers from guilt and sin, but above all this he carries his honor. Proctor states, “I have given you my soul; leave me my name,” (1357) because he feels he has to protect that name sense he only gets one. Proctor refuses to have his name shown to the public after admitting to witchcraft in respect to himself and he dies with his dignity. Reverend Hale changes his opinion of witchcraft in Salem by the end of the play. Hale sees what is right and believes Proctor after such justification. Hale does not seek authority but goes against the court in their decisions regarding John and the other innocent people, separating him from his status quo. Hale holds Rebecca Nurse with respect as well as John for their truthfulness in their morality. John Proctor and Reverend Hale value their individuality and moral integrity with