John Proctor's Name In The Crucible

In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, names are of the utmost importance to many Puritans because they resemble reputation and social status. During Act 4 when John Proctor is being persuaded to confess to witchcraft, an altercation about signing away Proctor’s name occurs. Reverend Parris argues, “It is a weighty name; it will strike the village that Proctor confess. I beg you, let him sign it…” (Miller 131) By saying, “it will strike the village that Proctor confess,” Parris attempts to coax Judge Danforth into letting John sign his name. Parris believes that “Proctor,” is a substantial name towards the town and will influence the townspeople. When he says, “It is a weighty name,” Parris also implies that “Proctor,” will have much impact on the