The Crucible John Proctor Reputation Analysis

“It takes many good deed to build a respectable reputation, but only one bad deed to lose it”. Benjamin Franklin illuminates the idea of a good reputation as he emphasizes how fragile it can be, knowing that one’s reputation can be taken away from you just by committing one bad action. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, John Proctor is a truthful, respectable, and a religious man who safeguards his reputation from being tarnished. He hold one secret within him which constantly haunts his every move. The adultery he committed with Abigail is a sin that leaves a weights on his back throughout the novel as it causes him to not forgive himself. He believes that his sin is destroying the relationship he has with his wife, Elizabeth, and most importantly with God. In the novel, The Crucible, Arthur Miller powerfully explores the theme of redemption of sin through illustrating the challenges John faced with Abigail Williams, Elizabeth Proctor, and himself as he tried to keep his “good reputation”. …show more content…
This led him to later have an affair with her which he regretted miserably and desperately tried to redeem himself. No, No, Abby. That’s done with……….Abby I may think of you softly from time to time. But I will cut off my hand before I ever reach for you again.” The repetition of the word “No” emphasis the memories and the regret that John had, the day of the adultery. It also exemplifies the amount of guilt that still lies within him and how it still haunts him till this day. John Proctor explicates that although he may still think of Abigail at times, he would much rather “cut of his hand” before he ever thinks of committing the same sin again. The use of bloody imagery here illustrates the strengths of determination John has to not commit the sin