The Importance Of Honor In The Crucible

During specific situations, people often are conflicted whether to act according to the community or on the behalf of themselves. The majority often follows the group’s desires in order to avoid backlash or punishment. This was evident during the Salem Witch Trials when innocent people, accused of witchcraft, lied to avoid death. However, in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, when John Proctor is put on trial, his refusal to “confess” to witchcraft reflects his character transformation from prideful to humbled. Through the character of John Proctor and his trial, Miller reveals the importance of self-honor and embracing oneself, marking the first step toward ending the mass hysteria of witchcraft. Proctor defends his family, serving as a role model for future generations and thus uncovers the path to regaining morality in the corrupt Puritan society. For example, when Danforth asks Proctor the reason he is hesitant to confess, Proctor responds by asking “How may I teach them to walk like men in the world”(143)? Men represent courage and strength, and more precisely the intrepidity to face one’s faults and mistakes. Proctor teaching his children to “walk like men” is …show more content…
From his affair, Proctor realizes reputation is not the most important aspect of one’s character, but the willingness to admit to failures, which in turn demonstrates true growth as a man. In addition, he learns to recognize that he himself is his biggest enemy, marking the turning point of his life. To combat the desire to preserve his original reputation, Proctor gathers enough courage to admit to his faults, proving that he has shed his value in his reputation for community acceptance. Through the course of the story, Proctor changes his values, resulting in his death and making him a respectable person once