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 respect and now it is in jeopardy. He has worked hard and sacrificed himself to the people because he cares about his self respect. Respect is all he has and he wants to make sure that he continues to keep it.
             A little past the middle of the book, Miller displays Reverend Hale's personal integrity and self respect. Reverend Hale questions people accused of being possessed by the devil. Once Elizabeth Proctor is accused of using witchcraft, Reverend Hale is obliged to question John and Elizabeth Proctor. At this point he believes that people are being possessed by the devil. So by questioning and making them confess, he believes that he is truly cleansing
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