EssayClub.com - Free College Essays and Term Papers

John Proctor

John Proctor was a farmer who lived outside the town of Salem. His wife was Elizabeth Proctor.   His affair with Abigail Williams shows that his marriage and life is ruined.   He hesitates to portray Abigail as a hoax because he doubts that his secret will be revealed and his good name ruined.   He is the major character who demonstrates pride in the play.
John Proctor proves the importance of a strong name through his actions and choices throughout the play.   Most significantly he shows this in the fourth act when he chose death over disgracing his name.   Proctor felt this way when arguing with Danforth about his confession of adultery.   He turned to God as his judge when he said, "I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough!"(239). He decided to put his trust in his religious background and belief in God as the definitive judge.  
During the Salem witch trials confessing to a lie to save your life was an option many people chose.   Others did not out of a sense of pride and honor. After Proctor verbally admitted his sin, Danforth wished for him to sign his name on a document, which would be displayed in public as evidence for his confession. He refused, saying, "How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" (4.133). John would rather die than give up his name. Hale then pleaded with his wife to take John’s shame away before it was too late.   Elizabeth defended his choice, saying, "He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him!" (4.134). Elizabeth knew that John had made a decision he believed in.
Proctor becomes a hero to his friends and family.   His sacrifice shows the true-spirited man who had given up his life in order to save his name and show respect for his friends.   He will always be remembered throughout Salem for his heroic attributes.