In a situation where reputation, and social standings are closely linked to religion, and an overall foundation of a society, morality tends to take a vital role. In the book, The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, the author is able to show a distinction of personal ideals, and/or moral standards of two men with high reputations amongst their town. Although initially protagonist John Proctor is portrayed as unethical, and Parris as a man who is moreso respected, the author is able to manipulate Parris as a character foil to Proctor, in order to convey the true meaning of moral integrity, and the value of a good name.
Initially, it comes to show that Proctor may be considered unethical, while Parris goes on to be portrayed as a man who is moreso …show more content…
A main conflict that both Proctor, and Parris face is protecting their reputations. In the case of Parris, his selfishness leads him to focus primarily on the preservation of his high status amongst the town. The discovery itself of his daughter and niece possibly in witchcraft worries him immensely as it may cause many to lose respect for him. In addition to this, as he testifies a lie to Danforth when he was questioned, he states, “I do not, sir, but I never saw any of them naked” (Miller 105). It is clear, that to preserve his reputation, Parris lies to Danforth, as he stated previously that he saw the girls in their act. In protecting this, he gives up his personal honor, in order to remain with his social standing. Unlike Parris, Proctor comes to see that his personal integrity is more vital, than any good name itself. Although originally Proctor had wanted to lie to save his life by signing a confession, he could not seem to do so as he heard it would be nailed to the church for the entire town to see. Proctor went on to explain how by signing this paper, he signs over his last bit of honor, his soul, he states, “... It is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies… I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”(Miller 143). Towards the end of the complication, Proctor tears the papers, and decides to keep his bit of integrity that he has left. In contrast to Parris, instead of lying to protect a reputation, Proctor not only remained devoted to his morals, but he traded his own life for it, and gave value to his good