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Elizabeth Proctor Integrity Essay

697 Words3 Pages

And The Price for the Most Integrity Goes to… Elizabeth Proctor How can one keep their integrity in the face of adversity without ever desperately succumbing to corruption? In the renown 1962 play The Crucible, it is nearly impossible for many of the characters to stay true to their values while keeping their lives. Lying, mistrusting and cheating neighbors seems to be the only way to survive the chaos that reigned in Salem during the time of the witch trials, where anyone could be accused of witchcraft as a result of personal grudges. However, there are certain characters who stand by their values, defend them until the very end, and survive the hysteria without being tainted. A prime example is Elizabeth Proctor. Because she kept true …show more content…

This is exemplified in Act Four, when Elizabeth meets her husband in the dungeon after she is asked to get him to confess to witchcraft; confessing upon being accused was a way of saving oneself. John wants her opinion on his decision, but she tells him “[she] cannot judge [him]” (p. 135), and repeats it later on when it is insisted upon. She says: “I am not your judge, I cannot be. Do as you will, do as you will!” (p. 138) By telling him to “do as [he] will”, Elizabeth emphasizes her belief of individual choice. She reminds John that the matter lies on his hands …show more content…

The decision results in an inevitable death sentence from the court. When Elizabeth has the chance to go after John, she refuses. This is when she utters her most memorable quote in the play: “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!” (p. 145). She is stating that by choosing his honor over his life, John has redeemed himself and has found “his goodness”. Even while suffering from the knowledge that her husband will be hanged, she respects his choice until the very last

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