The Crucible John Proctor Pride Quotes

There is a quote by an unknown author that states, “Pride is a personal commitment. It is an attitude which separates excellence from mediocrity.” Now this may not apply to every example of a proud person; however, it directly applies to John Proctor. In the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, John Proctor, a well-respected farmer, is confronted with a difficult decision and because of his pride decides to keep his reputation while saving the innocent; unfortunately this is the ultimate cause of his demise. Because of the pride John Proctor has, it is difficult for him to soil his name. For example, when being coerced into confessing and Judge Danforth asks him to name other people, he exclaims, “I am John Proctor, you will not use me!” (143). The fierceness in John’s expression is most apparent when his
For instance, after his wife is arrested for witchcraft Proctor goes to his maid and commands, “you will tell the court what you know” (80). He does this with the knowledge of their deceitful ways and with the belief that one of the girls has the ability to get the madness under control. The legitimacy of this thought can be proved by the wavering and juvenile mind of the girls’ self appointed leader, Abigail. Moreover, when John’s accusation starts to be doubted by the court and with Abigail opposing every claim, he blurts out, “I have known her sir, I have known her” (110). Of course when he says this he refers to the affair he had with Abigail and intends to shock the court because no logical man will cast away his good name unless it is for a probable cause. With this John is attempting to make the court aware of Abigail’s true motives; the desire for attention and revenge for the ending of their trivial relationship. John’s unrelenting devotion to those close to him and the reasons he is fighting for, show the amount of sacrifice he is willing to