Text Analysis Of 'The Crucible' By Arthur Miller
The Crucible Text Analysis
John Proctor compromised the reputation of his name, and values that he cherishes by having an affair with Abigail Williams. This flaw will forever haunt him. Arthur Miller uses symbolism and irony to support the central idea that Proctor can either die honorably or live a lie.
When Proctor is asked by Danforth to sign a confession, he hesitatingly signs it. After the confession is signed, Proctor says “ No, no. I have signed it. You have seen me. It’s done!” (143). The signature symbolizes the obedience that Proctor has towards the law. It also shows him admitting his alliance to the devil, because by signing the confession, Proctor is lying. Proctor decides that instead of lying, he is going to make a choice
that is morally truthful. Miller states, “ Proctor tears the paper and crumples it, he is weeping in fury, but erect” (144). The demolishing of the confession shows that instead of lying, Proctor would rather die with dignity.
Danforth is a legalistic man, in other words, he adheres strictly to the law. The proof that Danforth asks for from Proctor is not parallel with the law. Danforth declares, “Mr. Proctor, I must have good and legal proof that you-” (143). Danforth’s demand for good and legal proof is ironic because Danforth is stretching the law to save Proctor by giving him a confession. This is nothing what the courts laws are, so Danforth who usually adheres to the law, is just lying to save Proctor. If Proctor gave Danforth proof, this proof would be faulty, causing Proctor to live a lie. The terrible flaw that Proctor has will forever be a burden on his back. Through the use of symbolism and irony, it is made evident that Proctor could either die honorably or live a lie. Proctor chose to die with dignity and strength for the morals and values that were close to him. John Proctor is the epitome of respect and dignity in the village.
John Proctor compromised the reputation of his name, and values that he cherishes by having an affair with Abigail Williams. This flaw will forever haunt him. Arthur Miller uses symbolism and irony to support the central idea that Proctor can either die honorably or live a lie.
When Proctor is asked by Danforth to sign a confession, he hesitatingly signs it. After the confession is signed, Proctor says “ No, no. I have signed it. You have seen me. It’s done!” (143). The signature symbolizes the obedience that Proctor has towards the law. It also shows him admitting his alliance to the devil, because by signing the confession, Proctor is lying. Proctor decides that instead of lying, he is going to make a choice
that is morally truthful. Miller states, “ Proctor tears the paper and crumples it, he is weeping in fury, but erect” (144). The demolishing of the confession shows that instead of lying, Proctor would rather die with dignity.
Danforth is a legalistic man, in other words, he adheres strictly to the law. The proof that Danforth asks for from Proctor is not parallel with the law. Danforth declares, “Mr. Proctor, I must have good and legal proof that you-” (143). Danforth’s demand for good and legal proof is ironic because Danforth is stretching the law to save Proctor by giving him a confession. This is nothing what the courts laws are, so Danforth who usually adheres to the law, is just lying to save Proctor. If Proctor gave Danforth proof, this proof would be faulty, causing Proctor to live a lie. The terrible flaw that Proctor has will forever be a burden on his back. Through the use of symbolism and irony, it is made evident that Proctor could either die honorably or live a lie. Proctor chose to die with dignity and strength for the morals and values that were close to him. John Proctor is the epitome of respect and dignity in the village.