How Does Proctor Use Lies In The Crucible

The Crucible by: Arthur Miller is seen as a classic read by many high school students in English classes all over America in today’s era. The Crucible is set in Massachusetts in 1692 during the Salem Witch Trials. During this time more than 200 people were accused of witchcraft and as a result, many innocent people suffered. This play highlights the hysteria of the afflicted children and how they used lies to manipulate the people of Salem into convicting and hanging innocent people. The mastermind behind these lies teenager Abigail Williams and her accomplices, Betty Parris, Mercy Lewis, and many other village girls. Those that tried to reveal the truth of how Abigail and the other girls were using lies and the vulnerability of the town to

I have rung the doom of my good name—you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one!” ( Miller 102-103 ).
The reader can see by the italicized narration and words that publicly admitting that he sinned and betrayed his wife, was very painful for Proctor. In order to try and prove Elizabeth’s innocence, he has to first sacrifice his good name and his reputation in the village. He puts his family and wife above himself, showing that he values them and will do anything including tarnishing his name to protect them. We can also see Proctor sacrificing himself by not giving up Goody Nurse and many others' names as witches when pressured by Danforth for a confession. Danforth tells Proctor that if he signs a confession and gives up the names of other witches he would not hang. In court, Danforth asks Proctor specific questions, targeting the women of Salem, in an attempt to persuade him to lie and give a false confession. During Act Four, the tension is high and difficult decisions are

Proctor. When the Devil came to you did you see Rebecca Nurse in his company? Proctor is silent. Come, man, take courage—did you ever see her with the Devil?
Proctor, almost inaudibly: No.
[...]
Danforth: Did you ever see her sister, Mary Easty, with the Devil?
Proctor: No, I did not.
Danforth, his eyes narrow on Proctor: Did you ever see Martha Corey with the Devil?
Proctor: I did not.
Danforth, realizing, slowly putting the sheet down: Did you ever see anyone with the Devil?
Proctor: I did not” ( Miller 129-130).
John Proctor shows self-sacrifice by not giving up names of the others and sentencing them to death by hanging based on the accusations he could make about the practicing of witchcraft. John Proctor also shows mental strength by refusing to give Danforth names when pressured and threatened by the court and the judge. This also shows the reader how much he values his name and reputation and that he doesn’t take giving up his name lightly. He values his name because his name holds power and that it is his and his