John Proctor Reputation Analysis

In a setting where reputation is important, many of the characters worried about what type of reputation they had. Although the characters were being accused of witchcraft, they still convinced themselves that with a good reputation, they would no longer be accused. Even though the accusers didn’t care for good reputation, reputation is what made Reverend Hale go into deep thought if the accused individuals were actually guilty. Each character in the play seems to want to be known as a specific type of persona. John Proctor would like to be known as the man who sticks up for unfortunate people and always does the right thing. Parris is known for being the churchly figure that lives by the bible and its teachings. Judge Danforth wants to be …show more content…
Throughout the play, he always had good morals and tried to do the right things. He protected the innocent people and did not let anything change his perception about his beliefs. It is hard for proctor to give up his good name because he had already given numerous reasons for people to respect him. Everyone saw him as the good guy and looked up to his morality. For example, when Proctor had an affair with Abigail Williams, instead of using that proof to accuse of her of being guilty, he unwillingly decided not to. Instead, Proctor tries to find other ways to prove her guilty without losing his respect. He says to Danforth “ I beg you, sir, I beg you—see her what she is. My wife, my dear good wife, took this girl soon after, sir, and put her out on the highroad. And being what she is, a lump of vanity, sir”. Proctor sacrifices his reputation in order to save his wife and stop the court from going on. At this moment of terror, he says to Danforth “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”. He stood up in court to save people 's lives by saying the truth, but when seeing the others being punished as noble people, he comes to realization that it wouldn 't be fair to those being put down. After much hesitation, Proctor …show more content…
Eventually, deep down he realizes that he is hanging innocent people. He knows that Abigail is putting on a show. Unfortunately, he had sentenced too many people before realizing this. If he were to back down, he would be showing that he killed innocent people and that he was wrong. He is known as being just and right. Therefore, his name would be ruined and he could not do anything to gain his respect back. He would be questioned for his decisions in the past and ultimately lose his job. This is why Judge Danforth will not give up his good name.
Having a good reputation is very important in The Crucible. It means you can be accepted by society. If you do not have a good name, you will be completely rejected. John Proctor would no longer be thought of a morally straight and righteous person. Reverend Parris would loose all his respect and not be accepted by society. Judge Danforth would be constantly questioned and lose his job. Keeping and maintaining your good name is an overwhelming theme in The