Theme Of Reputation In The Crucible

Reputation is something everyone struggles with because we all want to be widely accepted by our society. Reputation’s definition can be described in various different ways, but the overall gist of it can undoubtedly be that it is a widespread belief/opinion that an individual obtains of their habits and characteristics. In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, prestige, or reputation, plays an immense role due to the fact that the time and setting of this play was taking place in a period where religious practices were taken very seriously and any misdemeanours involving witchcraft or acts which went against the law. If you were accused of performing these acts, it was your word against theirs, and the accuser usually won. One’s true character

is far more important than lying to give yourself a righteous reputation. In Miller’s plot, John Proctor, Judge Danforth, and Reverend Parris all struggle internally to maintain a good name and this ultimately affects how the three characters act throughout the play.
John Proctor is unquestionably a man that is looked up upon by the city and his name withholds a great standing. This man has managed to build up a lot of honor for his name, which is why it is challenging for him to give that up in the story. Proctor is a married man, but is having an affair with Abigail Williams, who is being accused of taking part in witchcraft. John Proctor has vital evidence that would surely prove her guilty, but in order to do so, he would have to give up his name and confess to what he has done. Proctor definitely does not want to disclose to his wife and his town that side of him, so he would rather leave her being “innocent” than have his name become ruined, “Abigail, you’ll put it out of mind. I’ll not be comin’ for you more” ( Miller 1109 ). In this quote, Proctor knows that in this time of the play, he must end anything that he and Abigail once had because it may result in his favorable name being damaged. This scene is vital to proving the point that he believes in lying to everyone around him about his love life and attempts to conceal that part of him to later save himself from future embarrassment/consequences he may have to face when it comes to him convicting Abigail’s guiltiness. John Proctor must come to the realization that the truth will come out and the people of Salem will become fond of what he has done.
In addition, another character who struggles with an honest reputation would be Reverend Parris.

Parris obtains a very churchly and holy figure with the town and would do anything to keep that social status. His niece, Abigail Williams, has been accused of taking part in witchcraft and if proven guilty, that would mean people would perceive him, being the uncle, as someone who is less holy and will surely lose all his respect, “Now tell me true, Abigail. And I pray you feel the weight of truth upon you, for now my ministry’s at stake, my ministry and perhaps your cousin’s life. Whatever abomination you have done, give me all of it now, for I dare not be taken unaware when I go before them down there” ( Miller 1104 ). Reverend Parris is pleading with Abigail to speak the truth of what she has really done, but later in the play tries to cover up her actions and makes sure no one discovers what in truth occurred in the forest with her and all her friends. He is in a way aiming to change the story himself in attempts to possibly convince others that his niece is not guilty. It is evident that Reverend Parris is striving to save himself more than he is trying to save Abigail. This is supporting the fact that Parris does not acknowledge that the truth is far more valuable than some pitiful

lies.
Lastly, there’s Judge Danforth.

Throughout the story, he begins to realize that he has been punishing innocent people for crimes they did not truly commit. He has a reputation of always making the right and just decisions, so if he were to admit to hanging faultless people, his reputation would be ruined and would not be able to gain the respect he has already earned for his name. Danforth would surely lose his job as a judge as well, “Let me continue. I understand well, a husband’s tenderness may drive him to extravagance in defense of a wife. Are you certain in your conscience, Mister, that your evidence is the truth?” ( Miller 1140 ). Here, it is very clear that he is questioning Proctor in a trial and one may feel as if he is doing so to try and not only convince himself, because deep down he knows Goody Proctor is innocent, but it is obvious that he is trying to convince the others as well that she is not guilty and he is doing so by having John plead to the audience. All in all, it is very apparent that Judge Danforth is far more concerned with maintaining a false reputation than letting the truth be

visible.
Throughout Miller’s play, he displays how reputation can easily be faked. John Proctor, Reverend Parris, and Judge Danforth all struggle with holding their name in a good manner and they would rather lie and hide their real self from society than have their true colors prevailing. It is imperative that you allow others to see who you really are because the truth always outweighs the lies and the truth always triumphs sooner or later.