The Crucible Reverend Hale Reputation

In the late sixteenth century the idea of witchcraft was defined as working with the Devil to perform dark magic. In the town of Salem in Massachusetts, the idea of witchcraft spreads as many townspeople scramble to save their name from blackening.
In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, the importance of reputation is depicted as many people of Salem use their reputation to free them from the numerous trials of accused witchcraft.

John Proctor displayed the importance of his reputation by protecting himself and other citizens of Salem during many accusations against them. On page 133 in act IV, Proctor cries, “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust

At the beginning of the book on page 13, act I, a conversation between Reverend Parris and Mrs. Putnam introduces Reverends first reputation as an expert in all demonic arts and had exposed a witch in the neighboring town of Beverly. Reverend Hale at this point in the story is identified as a person of experience and is seen as someone who could eradicate any source of witchery and the Devil in Salem. Later in the book, Reverend Hale’s reputation changes as he grows to see the absurd amount of people being accused of witchcraft and the lies that the girls have been telling. On page 108 of act 3 is when he finally realizes the lies of the girls and says “You can not believe them!” in response to Judge Danforth questioning Mary Warren. His reputation changes from a position of authority to a person trying to save Salem from the destruction of accused witchcraft because he feels guilty for convicting and killing innocent people. In a review by Christopher Bigsby, he states that Reverend Hale “tries to salve his own conscience by convincing him to confess to untruth.” Bigsby is explaining how when John Proctor was in a prison cell and Reverend Hale suggested that he confess that he committed witchcraft so that John Proctor could