John Proctor compromised the reputation of his name, and values that he cherishes by having an affair with Abigail Williams. This flaw will forever haunt him. Arthur Miller uses symbolism and irony to support the central idea that Proctor can either die honorably or live a lie.
When Proctor is asked by Danforth to sign a confession, he hesitatingly signs it. After the confession is signed, Proctor says “ No, no. I have signed it. You have seen me. It’s done!” (143). The signature symbolizes the obedience that Proctor has towards the law. It also shows him admitting his alliance to the devil, because by signing the confession, Proctor is lying. Proctor decides that instead of lying, he is going to make a choice