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  • Essay / Dignity and the people of Salem - 776

    Pride, dignity and reputation are characteristics that are becoming increasingly rare in our society. In the play The Crucible, Arthur Miller powerfully analyzes the theme of personal dignity through the stories of several unusual characters. Throughout the play, Miller focuses his themes on traits such as pride, dignity, and reputation. Accordingly, the theme is “Human dignity and moral integrity are worth more than life without them.” Three characters are represented by this theme. John Proctor who would like to be known as the man who always does the right thing; Rev. Parris, known as a figure in the Church who lives according to the Bible and its teachings; Finally, Deputy Governor Danforth wants to be recognized as an unwavering judge who always makes the right decisions. John Proctor is the model citizen. He is a persistent, honest man full of integrity, he was simply a proud man. Ultimately, at the end of the play, when John is asked to sign a confession, John refuses, shouting that he would not "Because that's my name! Because I can't have one another in my life! Because I lie and I sign lies! Because I am not worth the dust at the feet of those who hang! -me my name!” (143). Even in the face of death, he will not give in to lies, will not give up his name, and refuses to betray his friends to save his own life. Jean cannot bring himself to give his name, which allows him to find the courage to die, heroically, with his inactive goodness. John Proctor became a martyr for what he believed was right and prevented further injustice and death. One of the main motifs of The Crucible is the importance of a good reputation. The golden mean of paper is a very narrow form of justice, whether good or bad. When he said "either a person is a part of this tribunal or he must be counted in it...no uncorrupt man can fear this tribunal". (85) This foreshadows how Proctor will be condemned, because although he is known as a good man in the eyes of the townspeople, Danforth can only see his guilt and unfaithfulness to Christianity. He believes in honor, respect and recognition. The court, in essence, is just a human construct, but Danforth takes great pride in human constructs and in doing things for show, which might illustrate his stubbornness when passing judgment. Danforth fails to realize the hysterical conclusions presented to him in the courtroom. Danforth realizes that it may be too late to reverse his decisions: “I cannot forgive them when twelve have already been hanged for the same crime. It's not only." (113)