How Does John Proctor Have A Good Reputation

In the play, “The Crucible”, written by Arthur Miller has a theme about reputation and respect. In the small town of Salem reputation is very important, especially important to the leaders of the town. They want to keep a good name, and the people also want to be good citizens. When people have a good reputation others give you more respect. When you have a good reputation in a small town, it's easier to get a fair hearing. However, when people started getting accused of witchcraft their reputation was destroyed. This made people more cautious of their own reputations. The characters in “The Crucible” John Proctor, Reverend Parris, and Judge Danforth all want to be known for something good to have a good reputation. All of the characters in “The Crucible” will make a bad choice in order to keep a good reputation.
Proctor had good morals and stood for what he believed. He always tried to do the right thing, and he protected the innocent citizens. Proctor had an affair with Abigail, but he had the opportunity to sign a paper confessing in order to help the innocents. Signing this paper would be hung up on the church doors for everyone to see, so he chose to sign it, but tore it up right afterwards. “I have confessed myself! Is there no good penitence but 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!” (1332). He was able to confess his sins without the whole town finding out about the affair, therefore saving his good