The Crucible John Proctor Reputation Analysis

There are many characters in The Crucible who are concerned about preserving their reputation. One character in particular who is concerned about his reputation is John Proctor. John Proctor is an honest man and always tries to stand up for what is right. Abigail Williams is shouting witchery in Salem, but she confesses to John that she and the girls are making it up. It is difficult for John to watch Abigail and the girls take down innocent people in the town. When members of the town question why John is speaking out against Abigail’s claims, he replies, “Because it speaks deceit, and I am honest!” (Miller 1275). John Proctor believes his good reputation will give him credibility against Abigail. It also shows that John is willing to do what
John Proctor is not actually associated with witchcraft, but in order to live, he must confess. He realizes that he does not want his name shamed for such a horrible crime he did not commit. John does not want his family to suffer the burden of his name as well. Another character concerned about their reputation is John Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth Proctor. The judge calls her into the courtroom and questions her about why she fired Abigail Williams. Goody Proctor lies to the judge and says that John did not commit adultery with Abigail. She is unaware that her husband confessed in order to prove that Abigail is lying about witchcraft. John Proctor tries to convince Judge Danforth that his wife is only trying to help the situation: “She only thought to save my name!” (Miller 1311). Committing adultery is greatly frowned upon in Salem. Elizabeth tells Danforth the lie for several reasons. She does not want her husband’s good reputation to be demolished. Even though she is trying to protect her husband’s reputation, she is also trying to protect her own. Elizabeth wants the members in her town to think she and John have a healthy marriage. She does not want to be known as the wife of someone who committed such a terrible sin. Both John and Elizabeth Proctor exemplify concern about their