The Word Name and Its Significance in Arthur Miller's The Crucible

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The Word Name and Its Significance in Arthur Miller's The Crucible In 'the crucible' Abigail Williams, Samuel Parris and John Proctor all mention the importance of their name. In this essay I am going to take each character in turn and point put parts in the play where they mention the importance of their name and explain it. Everyone in this world has some sort of name that they go by, whether it be their real name or a nickname. Most people's names are placed under a category which is usually good or bad. Have you ever heard that phrase " that name sounds familiar? Most people like their name to be remembered in a good way by being a hero or just by being good. John Proctor exemplifies the importance of a strong name through his actions and choices throughout the play; most significantly the fourth act when he chose death over disgracing his name. John Proctor is a farmer in Salem and a husband and father of three. Family life and friendship is very important to John Proctor. He quoted ' Because it is my name…. I lie and sign myself to lies… I have given you my soul; leave me my name'. This tells us that he doesn't want his name being ruined and is concerned about his children growing up with a bad reputation because of him. He has very strong belief's that if his name is blackened there is no reason to live. John Proctor also chose to die because he could not double cross his friends, the fact that he has three children, John could not raise his children to walk like men in the world if he himself was not a true man. Therefore for the sake of his name, reputation and his children. John's decision to die is the right one. ... ... middle of paper ... ...evil. She manipulates throughout the play and in the court she carries on manipulating even after Mary Warren confesses. In the play she says 'My name is good in the village - I will not have it said my name is soiled'. This shows she does care about her name. When she realises she has power she doesn't care about her name. She really loves John but hates Elizabeth and wants to get rid of her so she can be Proctor's wife. Her jealousy of Elizabeth is so strong she accuses Elizabeth of conducting with the devil. When John hears about this he feels much stronger towards Elizabeth and doesn't want anything to do with Abigail ever again. I think Abigail Williams is a very strong-minded and spiteful girl who manipulates all the time and thinks she can do anything and get away with it because she is Parris's niece.

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