Dying with your honor and integrity is better than living a life with a soiled reputation. In “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller readers follow citizens of Salem, Massachusetts during great hysteria of witch trials. Living in a society with Puritan religious values as a way of life, one strike on your family name can leave citizens shunned by all members of the town. When the talk of witchcraft starts no one wants to be named. Once the first few names are revealed the accused have one of two choices; admit to false pretences or die. All three men John Proctor, Reverend Hale, and Reverend Parris are respected, and are strong influence in their community, but when faced with the question of life or death of themselves and others, will they be
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Reverend Hale like Mr. Parris is a holy man, but he specialises in witches, and has a book the devil cannot hide his evil face from. Hale is an honest man, but he is blinded by his beliefs. Hale travels around the town interviewing the accused, and is informed that the girls were dancing in the forest and wants brings them into questioning. Before Hale even gets the chance the girls trying to escaped scolding by claiming false witnesses, and everything spirals out of control. Hale shortly after arrives at the Proctor residence, and questions John Proctor and his wife. He sees no incriminating evidence, but that does not matter, and a man shows up with a warrant to take Goody Proctor to jail. Seeing Proctor weak touches the sympathy in Hale, who then goes to the Judge and risks his reputation. “I beg you, stop now before another is condemned! I may shut my conscience to it no more - private vengeance is working through this testimony!” (Miller 1311), Hale quits the court, and claims the accused as innocent throwing his name on the line. Hale is truly a holy man he would rather risk his name then see an innocent person die, “it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride” (Miller 1326). Hale will takes a stand for what he believes in, and values life and justice over reputation, attesting to his good …show more content…
In a plain and simple Puritan community, the rules of religion were rules of how to conduct your life, and your reputation was deemed through your faith and behavior. Your reputation is how others view not only you, but your family. In Salem in the time of “The Crucible,” reputation is seen as how God judges you and your neighbors. Even in the world today your name is important, and your reputation can be a determining factor for employment, and future relationships, with colleagues, love interests, and friends. Given these points and considering, Parris, Proctor, and Hale, it is crucial to know when to risk your reputation, and when to hold true to your
Reverend Hale like Mr. Parris is a holy man, but he specialises in witches, and has a book the devil cannot hide his evil face from. Hale is an honest man, but he is blinded by his beliefs. Hale travels around the town interviewing the accused, and is informed that the girls were dancing in the forest and wants brings them into questioning. Before Hale even gets the chance the girls trying to escaped scolding by claiming false witnesses, and everything spirals out of control. Hale shortly after arrives at the Proctor residence, and questions John Proctor and his wife. He sees no incriminating evidence, but that does not matter, and a man shows up with a warrant to take Goody Proctor to jail. Seeing Proctor weak touches the sympathy in Hale, who then goes to the Judge and risks his reputation. “I beg you, stop now before another is condemned! I may shut my conscience to it no more - private vengeance is working through this testimony!” (Miller 1311), Hale quits the court, and claims the accused as innocent throwing his name on the line. Hale is truly a holy man he would rather risk his name then see an innocent person die, “it may well be God damns a liar less than he that throws his life away for pride” (Miller 1326). Hale will takes a stand for what he believes in, and values life and justice over reputation, attesting to his good …show more content…
In a plain and simple Puritan community, the rules of religion were rules of how to conduct your life, and your reputation was deemed through your faith and behavior. Your reputation is how others view not only you, but your family. In Salem in the time of “The Crucible,” reputation is seen as how God judges you and your neighbors. Even in the world today your name is important, and your reputation can be a determining factor for employment, and future relationships, with colleagues, love interests, and friends. Given these points and considering, Parris, Proctor, and Hale, it is crucial to know when to risk your reputation, and when to hold true to your