Living Up To A Lie In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

“I say God is dead!” (Miller 119). What a strong saying coming from a man who

lives up to his word, a man who doesn’t believe in lying, a man who is trying to save his

honor. In the play ‘The Crucible,’ Arthur Miller shows that there were many trials for

Salem residents who got accused of witchcraft. John Proctor is arrested for conspiracy of

Witchcraft. John can either lie and confess and live, or get lynched. John is the man who

says that living up to a lie, to save your life, is not worth loosing your faith and honor in

yourself.

In the beginning, John’s wife, Elizabeth, was arrested for conspiracy of

Witchcraft because Abigail and her little “pets” accused her. Elizabeth and John both

knew very well that Abigail is making all this up just so she can get John for herself.

John told her this:

“If she is condemned, this will be the end of me!” (Miller ). John loved his wife very

much. Loosing her would be like loosing is faith and his life. So John tries everything in

his power to save his family. He does this because he has faith that Elizabeth will still

love him and that if he saves her, he will keep his honor.

Later on, John was arrested and was going to be condemned. The night before,

Abigail found him in his cell and asked if he would run away with her and meet her on a

boat. John didn’t like it that much and stated: “it is not on a boat we will meet again, but

in hell.” (Miller ). John would not run away with the girl who is causing him to loose his

life and loose his wife. He will be condemned rather than holding a lie and running away.

After being arrested, at first, John agreed to sign a document saying he was

involved in witchcraft. However, after signing it and knowing that it will be placed on the

church wall he changed his mind. He stated: “Because it is my name! Because I cannot

have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies!” (Miller ) John did not