“When love is involved no sacrifice is too great” (David Eddings). In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, John Proctor begins as a self-centered man; however, John changes his point of view and in the end, most values his name. This suggests that it is more honorable to die with people knowing the truth rather living with a lie.
Arthur Miller’s play opens with John Proctor portrayed as a selfish man, as well as a faulty husband. One day he comes into town after hearing about accusations of witchcraft. It is made clear that John is a sinner, when Abigail converses with him regarding the crime of lechery, “I saw your face when she put me out, and you loved me then and you do now” (Miller, 839). Abigail gave insight about John’s corruption of …show more content…
Soon after his discussion with Abigail, John becomes involved in a debate about how to handle the trials. He makes a remark about how the church takes control of the current situation, and Mr. Putnam instantly comes back with an appropriate response, “I never heard you so worried on this society, Mr. Proctor. I do not think I saw you at Sabbath meeting since snow flew” (Miller, 841). There is not a more prominent way to illustrate John Proctor’s personality in the beginning of the play. He comes in and gives everyone his opinion, even though he has had nothing to do with the community since the winter. This suggests that he is small in faith but rich in his ideas and opinions, giving just another glimpse of his narrow-mindedness. One of the main themes of the play is sacrifice, not only for individuals, but for the community as a whole. …show more content…
Hale, a spiritual doctor, comes to the Proctor home only to tell John that Elizabeth had been mentioned in one of the witch trials. After much arguing, they decide to take Elizabeth away, even after possible evidence disproving the trials all together. As they leave, John angrily approaches his maid, Mary Warren and shouts, “My wife will never die for me! I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness will not die for me” (Miller, 862). John’s eagerness for Mary Warren to confess displays a true love for Elizabeth. He uses the word “goodness”, which is important in this case. Elizabeth forgave his sins and continued to love John. This made him realize the true love he had for her, and the goodness in his life truly was Elizabeth. During the final scene one of the most important developments takes place. John confessed making a bond with the devil in order to save his and Elizabeth’s life. When Judge Danforth says he will put the signed confession on the church, John realizes that a clean name is worth more and makes clear he will not let them post the document, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies...How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name” (Miller, 886). This segment revolves around the importance of a name and everything that makes up a name.
Arthur Miller’s play opens with John Proctor portrayed as a selfish man, as well as a faulty husband. One day he comes into town after hearing about accusations of witchcraft. It is made clear that John is a sinner, when Abigail converses with him regarding the crime of lechery, “I saw your face when she put me out, and you loved me then and you do now” (Miller, 839). Abigail gave insight about John’s corruption of …show more content…
Soon after his discussion with Abigail, John becomes involved in a debate about how to handle the trials. He makes a remark about how the church takes control of the current situation, and Mr. Putnam instantly comes back with an appropriate response, “I never heard you so worried on this society, Mr. Proctor. I do not think I saw you at Sabbath meeting since snow flew” (Miller, 841). There is not a more prominent way to illustrate John Proctor’s personality in the beginning of the play. He comes in and gives everyone his opinion, even though he has had nothing to do with the community since the winter. This suggests that he is small in faith but rich in his ideas and opinions, giving just another glimpse of his narrow-mindedness. One of the main themes of the play is sacrifice, not only for individuals, but for the community as a whole. …show more content…
Hale, a spiritual doctor, comes to the Proctor home only to tell John that Elizabeth had been mentioned in one of the witch trials. After much arguing, they decide to take Elizabeth away, even after possible evidence disproving the trials all together. As they leave, John angrily approaches his maid, Mary Warren and shouts, “My wife will never die for me! I will bring your guts into your mouth but that goodness will not die for me” (Miller, 862). John’s eagerness for Mary Warren to confess displays a true love for Elizabeth. He uses the word “goodness”, which is important in this case. Elizabeth forgave his sins and continued to love John. This made him realize the true love he had for her, and the goodness in his life truly was Elizabeth. During the final scene one of the most important developments takes place. John confessed making a bond with the devil in order to save his and Elizabeth’s life. When Judge Danforth says he will put the signed confession on the church, John realizes that a clean name is worth more and makes clear he will not let them post the document, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies...How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name” (Miller, 886). This segment revolves around the importance of a name and everything that makes up a name.