Question

At the end of the play, Reverend Hale insists that John Proctor’s design to hang instead of admitting that he was consorting with the devil is an act of excessive pride or stubbornness. As the old saying goes, sometimes people do "bite off their nose to spite their face." Do you think that Proctor’s last act was an act of excessive pride or honor? Were his actions foolish or noble? Explain your choice.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

This question refers to the play "The Crucible", by Arthur Miller, which fictionalizes the story of the accusation and conviction of John Proctor and his wife during the Salem witch trials.

Even though there is nothing wrong with trying to save one's life, even if one has to lie to do it, I believe John Proctor's actions were noble instead of foolish. Death by hanging was the result of his insistence on his innocence. He would rather lose his life than admit to having done something he did not. Some people may regard this as foolish, since he could have chosen to live and then attempt to clear his name. But it is not difficult for me to see things from Proctor's perspective.

He knew the truth. He chose to defend his honor, to stand up against those who lied. This is a type of courage most of us do not possess. It is an action of nobility when a man knows his character so well that he will not accept slander of any kind. I do not know what I would do if it were me, but I do admire his choice and his character.