Examples Of Courage In The Crucible

The Crucible by Arthur Miller includes many lessons. The main reason for the book is to show what happened during the Salem Witch Trials. Some are good and some are bad. There are many characters throughout the book that show acts of courage. I am going to explain the true meaning of what demonstrates courage, John Proctor showing courage, and lastly Giles Corey showing courage.
Courage can be shown in many forms, sizes, and shapes. This quality is defined as “mental or moral strength to venture, persevere, and withstand danger, fear, or difficulty”(dictionary). Courage is such an admired virtue to have and most would promote the quality. In the discussion of ethics, courage is considered a moral value. The history of courage in philosophy

Elizabeth: He were not hanged. He would not answer aye or nay to his indictment; for if he denied the charge they’d hang him surely, and auction out his property. So he stand mute, and died Christian under the law. And so his sons will have the farm. It is the law, for he could not be condemned a wizard without he answer the indictment, aye or nay.
(135)
He laid mute during the time of the questioning to protect his family. His family would have lost their property if he had answered. This was courageous of him to lose his life for the ones he loved. He also said two brave words as he was dying. Giles said, with a tender smile for the old man “more weight”(Crucible, 135). Corey saying these two words make him rash. He was not cowardly and ran from the issue, he made a statement about what was wrong with the system. Another man that stood out against the courts was John

When Reverend Hale comes to the Proctor’s house he is asked why only two of his children are baptized.
Hale: ….tell me—you have three children?
Proctor: Aye. Boys.
Hale: How comes it that only two are baptized?
Proctor: I like it not that Mr. Parris should lay his hand upon my baby. I see no light of God in that man. I'll not conceal it. (65)
He does not trust Reverend Parris. He does not like going to church any more because Parris is the leader. Also, Proctor does not trust the system. Proctor confesses to the system to protect the others being wrongly accused.
Danforth: You have not con—
Proctor: 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! (142)
Proctor is trying to prove that he confessed to god and that is good enough. He would rather take courage and confess to something he did not do than face the corrupt system. Proctor knows that everything the system has ruled is false and tried to make a