Integrity Of John Proctor
Essay by 24 • December 8, 2010 • 509 Words (3 Pages) • 2,032 Views
Integrity is defined as honesty and moral uprightness. It is a key component in one's characteristics that varies from person to person. Keeping integrity also takes a lot of strength and loyalty. Arthur Miller exemplifies this well through such characters as John Proctor and Giles Corey. The Crucible tests the characters' integrity through the severe witch trials of Salem and maintained to stay strong through the problems in which they encountered.
An example of weak integrity is portrayed well through the character of Mary Warren. Mary had been accused of being a witch by Abigail Williams and instead of continuously telling the truth, she turned on John Proctor to save her own life. She falsely confesses to Danforth, "He wake me every night, his eyes were like coals and his fingers claw my neck and I sign..." (119). She had sold John's life by lying and getting herself out of any trouble. This clearly shows that Mary has low morals and integrity.
The second example is depicted through Giles Corey. He was charged for contempt of the court because he did not name names. In act III, Giles states, "You know well why not! He'll lay in jail If I give his name!" (97). It shows that although Giles wants to save his wife, he would also like to keep his integrity and not get anyone into problems and be a good friend. Giles also exemplifies his invulnerable honesty when they torture him into telling names. He states, "More weight!" (135). It shows that Giles would rather be put to death painfully and slowly than to destroy the most important trait that is defined by.
Another example of integrity is the point at which John Proctor decides whether he will lie and confess to save his own life, or be truthful to others, as well as God, and lose his life. In act IV, John Proctor states, "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" (143). It shows that John Proctor did not want his name posted
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