In The Crucible, Miller seeks to depict the significance of one’s “name” within the Salem community. One’s “name” is parallel to one’s reputation, as it is permanent and paints a picture of one’s true self to the town. One’s name becomes increasingly important at a time when finger-pointing and false accusations can easily bring about its demise. Early in the play, John Proctor sees the preservation of his reputation as priority above all else. To him, a name lasts a lifetime. He is reluctant to do anything that would challenge the purity of his name. Even giving up vital information in court that may put an end to the executions is difficult to do, because it shows him as the lecher he is. Towards the end, Proctor realizes that a “name” is only as decent as the soul it represents. He is faced with the decision of his soul over his name, and in the
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He tears up the confession and says “You have made your magic now, for now I do think I see some shred of goodness in John Proctor” (Miller, 144) Through all of his lies and sins, he realizes that in the long run, his name means nothing. “A man may think God sleeps, but God sees everything. Elizabeth asks John to expose Abigail for the fraud she is, and he isn’t willing to do it, even though he says he will. Lying to save him name would only damn his soul. “I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name-- you will believe me Mr. “God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are!” (Miller, 142) Putting his confession on the door of the church would show that he lied and signed himself to lies, only to live. It is only when he wife is accused or witchcraft does he step up and confess. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one!” (miller, 111) This however, backfires, ironically because Elizabeth tries to save John’s good name. He signs it, but refuses to have it posted on the door of the church. I’ll tell him she said it were all sport.
One can see Proctor coming to terms with his name in the town. In the end where it really counts, he knows that his name doesn’t mean anything to God, and that there is no point in lying to keep it clean.
Approximate Word count =
574
Approximate Pages =
2 (250 words per page double spaced)
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