The Crucible
The theme of personal integrity and self-respect is of significant importance in The Crucible. This theme plays a key role of the basis on which the book is laid upon. Arthur Miller develops this theme throughout the book by using characters that posses these qualities. Characters that demonstrate these qualities and convey this theme include Samuel Parris, Reverend Hale, Elizabeth Proctor and John Proctor. Right from the beginning Miller uses Parris to illustrate the theme of self-respect and personal integrity. Parris, who had seen girls dancing and singing in the woods, has suspicion that witchcraft may be the cause of Ruth's illness. "Now tell me true, Abigail (Miller 11)." He demands Abigail to explain the events that takes place in the woods. "I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry's at stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousins life (11)." Parris is uptight not only about Ruth's illness but also about his self respect. "I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character (11)." It has taken Parris many years to earn the people's respe
The outcome of the trial is bad and John is sentenced to be hanged unless he confesses. He has worked hard and sacrificed himself to the people because he cares about his self respect. Her personal integrity is signified when she cries, "He have his goodness now. At this time Reverend Hale sees the evil in the court and angrily replies, "I denounce these proceedings. Elizabeth Proctor starts by finally forgiving John and then crying, "Forgive me, forgive me, John-I never knew such goodness in the world (137). " At that moment he truly shows his personal integrity. After years of hiding this affair from the public, he openly tells his story for the good of the people. " Since she tries to live a true and pure life she can't handle the fact that John has committed adultery. Both find and relay their personal integrity towards the end of the book. After John Proctor goes through a catharsis he finds the courage to protect the people. A little past the middle of the book, Miller displays Reverend Hale's personal integrity and self respect. He shows his true nature when he tells the true story of what happened between Abigail and himself. He does not want to lie and sign away souls. He wants to be with his wife, yet he still doesn't give in.
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