The Crucible by Arthur Miller is a complex work consisting of many unique elements, including the prevalent theme of preserving one’s reputation. Almost everyone in this story attempts to protect their reputation to some degree, to protect their dignity or uphold their image. However, the two people most dedicated to protecting their reputation are Abigail Williams and John Proctor, although for completely different reasons.
John Proctor attempts to preserve some aspect of his reputation throughout the entire play, however, the most noticeable and important occurrence of this is found near the end of the play. When John first hesitates before signing the warrant that will say he has done the devil's work and condemn him to a life of shame, …show more content…
Abigail starts acting out of fear, not wanting her reputation ruined and her uncle disappointed. Fear drives her actions to a certain point, but she quickly realizes she has an immense amount of power and her proceedings quickly become motivated by vengeance. This transition is most clearly defined when the Proctors find out that Elizabeth is accused by Abigail, who has feelings against her, and Proctor shouts, “[s]he meant to dance with me on my wife’s grave”(Miller 110)! This act out of spite illustrates that Abigail had indeed become vengeful. Proctor, on the other hand, protects his reputation before his death mainly out of pride. He falters many times before ultimately deciding to hang. He reasons out loud, saying “I have three children- how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends” (Miller 143)? These thoughts prove that Proctor believes his motives for wanting to live are tainted and undesirable, and living tainted for him is not worth the shame it would bring. For Proctor, protecting his reputation had cost him his life, and for Abigail, choosing to abandon it would cost her
John Proctor attempts to preserve some aspect of his reputation throughout the entire play, however, the most noticeable and important occurrence of this is found near the end of the play. When John first hesitates before signing the warrant that will say he has done the devil's work and condemn him to a life of shame, …show more content…
Abigail starts acting out of fear, not wanting her reputation ruined and her uncle disappointed. Fear drives her actions to a certain point, but she quickly realizes she has an immense amount of power and her proceedings quickly become motivated by vengeance. This transition is most clearly defined when the Proctors find out that Elizabeth is accused by Abigail, who has feelings against her, and Proctor shouts, “[s]he meant to dance with me on my wife’s grave”(Miller 110)! This act out of spite illustrates that Abigail had indeed become vengeful. Proctor, on the other hand, protects his reputation before his death mainly out of pride. He falters many times before ultimately deciding to hang. He reasons out loud, saying “I have three children- how may I teach them to walk like men in the world, and I sold my friends” (Miller 143)? These thoughts prove that Proctor believes his motives for wanting to live are tainted and undesirable, and living tainted for him is not worth the shame it would bring. For Proctor, protecting his reputation had cost him his life, and for Abigail, choosing to abandon it would cost her