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Proctor's Confession In The Crucible

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Proctor claims to have confessed himself to God for cheating on his wife with Abigail. However, he will not confess to the court. Danforth explains that he needs the legal proof of Proctor’s confession and have him admit to the use of witchcraft because it is the easiest way to end the trials. Proctor believes that if he confesses, he will lose his soul and dignity. After all of the lies in Salem, the only thing left to Proctor’s “self-worth” is his name, which is why he refuses to sign his confession even if his wife Elizabeth tries to persuade him. Proctor would rather die with the few dignity he has left to his name, than die with no self-respect. A reductio ad absurdum was the rhetorical device Miller used. For example, Proctor compares

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