He tries to accomplish his goal by hiding his sin but is distressed because of his pursuit of what he believes to- be happiness. Towards the end of the play his struggles eventually end in his downfall. His courage to stand strong in his beliefs leads him to death at the gallows. His personal struggle with Elizabeth is resolved as he makes his decision to refuse to confess to witchcraft. Elizabeth sees his inner goodness shine when he refuses to lie about being involved in witchcraft, and she realizes how unfair she has been.
You forget nothin’ and forgive nothin’” (155 Proctor). No matter how hard he asked for forgiveness, she did not believe him. When John Proctor was sentenced to his death, he had to confess to witchcraft. If he did not confess he would be hung. John did not want to die with the guilt of him not confessing, “ I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint.
John denies Abigail saying that it will never happen because he loves his wife. Their relationship isn’t the strongest but love is there. This so called love drives Abigail to accuse Johns wife of witchcraft so that she is to be hanged for committing sins against the bible. She thinks that killing Johns wife would make him love her even though John has told her otherwise so many times already. Her actions actually hurt John greatly throughout the story.
On page 115, Proctor says ‘I have given you my soul; leave me my name’. By saying this Proctor is being honourable to himself. He wants to be left his name for personal integrity. He would rather die than sign the paper saying he was a witch. He didn’t want everyone to believe that.
“PROCTOR: Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name?
With the knowledge that this innocent man would then be accused of witchcraft as well, the courageous Giles refuses to reveal this innocent man’s name. This direct defiance of the court took great courage, but lead to an accusation against him. He sacrificed himself for another, and there is no greater sacrifice. Believing that he would not get a fair trial, Giles decides to not plead “aye” or “nay” against the charges brought before him. He did this so that his land could be passed to his children, but the way they make accused individuals plead is by placing large rocks upon them until they plead.
Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!” His breast heaving, his eyes stating, Proctor tears the paper and crumples
When he could just simply stand up for what he believes in like John does. Reverend Hale believes the girls are liars but never tries to prove it or put an end to the trials. That is why he isn’t this stories tragic hero. When at the same time John risks everything to tell the truth, yes what John did with Abigail was adultery, which is in the Ten Commandments. But God does believe in forgiveness of your sins and his truth was his forgiveness.
John ends up confessing to having an affair with Abigail because he is trying to get his wife, Elizabeth or goody proctor out of prison. by telling the truth about his affair with Abigail it shows that Abigail is making false accusations about Elizabeth harming her as she just wants to hurt her lovers wife because john ultimately chose Elizabeth over Abigail. however in telling the truth about this he needs his wife to do the same. Elizabeth does not know that john has confessed so she lies to save his good name and pride, in doing so she damns them both. The importance of reputation escalated throughout the story.
When his daughter is sick he try’s everything to avoid the thought of any witchcraft. Not only is he worried that his daughter will be at risk but he believes his reputation would be ruined. Also, if any witchcraft was said to have been done under his roof he would be hanged no questions asked. With all the provided information we can blatantly see that Reverend Parris is fighting for a good reputation and less for his daughter’s life. Elizabeth Proctor is the husband of John Proctor a land owner in Salem.