Why Does John Proctor Have A Good Reputation

Reputation is the common opinion held about someone based on their behavior and character. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, reputation plays a huge role in the characters’ actions. The characters are overly worried about maintaining a good reputation within their community which ends up affecting their well being. In Salem a bad reputation can result in social or even physical punishment. John Proctor, Reverend Parris, and Abigail Williams are all characters who choose to lie, and even face death instead of ruining their name. The importance of having a good name is more important than telling the truth to Parris, John, and Abby because it affects their relationships and position in society. John Proctor faces death due to accusations of witchcraft and trying to overthrow the court. He values his reputation over his life. Early in the play, John’s desire to preserve his good name keeps him from testifying against Abigail and putting a stop to the accusations. In the town John is a respected, holy man. He wishes to keep his relationship with Elizabeth intact and not be known in the town as a …show more content…
If she has a reputation for being a whore, nobody will have her as a housemaid. Parris also will not allow her to make a bad name for herself because it reflects on himself. Abby lies about witchcraft so she will not have to tell the truth about what actually happened in the woods. When Parris accuses her of sleeping with John, she angrily states “My name is good in the village! I will not have it said my name is soiled! Goody Proctor is a gossiping liar!” (pg. 570). She continues with her lies which eventually put many people in danger in order to protect herself. Abby gains great authority in Salem and her word is believed against others. This results in her using her good reputation among the court to get revenge on others. The lies Abby told greatly benefitted her reputation as a saint although it damaged her