The Struggle for Individuality and Independence

The Struggle for Individuality and Independence Imagine standing with a crowd of people watching a friend about to get hung. That is what it was like for many people in Salem, Massachusetts in 1692. In Arthur Miller’s “Crucible”(1953), which puts the reader, back in time to the Salem witch trails. The main character, John Proctor struggles between conforming to his society and staying true to his beliefs. Despite his village believing in a group of crazy girls, John Proctor is willing to give anything to keep his good name. The significance of the play is that people all go through struggles it just matters how you deal with your struggles. Throughout the play John struggles to constantly stay true to himself. “Because it speaks deceit and I am honest”(62). This quote shows that Proctor wants to live honestly and with a clean conscience. He even confessed to Elizabeth about committing adultery with Abby. Another quote that shows how Proctor is struggling to stay true to himself is “Damn the village…”(142). This quote reveals that he doesn’t care what everyone is saying about him he cares about being true to his inner self. “Because it is my name. Because I cannot have another in my lie! How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul’ leave me my name!”(143). This quote illustrates that Proctor is saying he would rather give them his soul than have his reputation tarnished. He is also fighting to keep his good name, his identity. It matters most to him that his name will not be ruined. John Proctor is also fighting disbelief with himself and his town about the Salem witch trails. “It’s strange work for a Christian girl to hang old women!”(58). Proctor is saying that it’s wrong for the girls to accuse helpless people who are good people. He is standing up for them. “Is the accuser holy now?...the little crazy children are jangling the keys of the whole kingdom”(77). This quote is saying that John Proctor doesn’t understand why