Reason Brainstorm list: * Morals * Truth * Husband’s name * Revision Key
Red- Punctuation
Yellow-Gramatical
Green-Enhancement
Revision Key
Red- Punctuation
Yellow-Gramatical
Green-Enhancement
Family’s name * Right assumption
Essay Rough Draft/Revision: Elizabeth Proctor is John proctors wife. Throughout the play, she seems to be struggling to forgive her husband and let go of her anger. The town sees her as a good woman and good wife. This was at least until she was accused by Abigail Williams of witchcraft. I believe there are three reasons to her as to why she lied in court when asked if she believes John had an affair. This first reason is to protect her husband’s name. The second reason is to protect the view of the family and avoid bringing shame to it. The final reason is her not knowing the situation and considering the fact that she might be doing the right thing. Someone’s name back then was a precious thing and protected even with their life. Elizabeth knew this and knew what John’s name is meant to him. This was probably a factor in her lying as in she probably doesn’t want her husband to blame her for the shame given to his name because of her actions. However hearing John say, “Elizabeth, I have confessed it!” proved that john did not care for his name at that time. It showed he cared more about getting her name free and bringing Abigail to justice more. A person’s name goes throughout their whole family. This is also another possible reason for Elizabeth’s lie. Your own reputation is one thing, however ruining the reputation of your family and the people you love is a horrible thing to do. Think of this, Elizabeth most likely felt as though she couldn’t do it. She couldn’t be the one to ruin the family name for her young boys, husband, herself, and future members. Elizabeth came within the court room not knowing the full story and being only able to assume the situation. She did not know what was going and how she should answer the question. The fact that she didnt want to ruin her husbands name pushed her more to the side of lies. She most likely believed lying was the right thing to do in the situation and went along with it in hopes of aiding her husband in his plea. Basically Elizabeth was a good woman attempting to do everything she could to be a good wife and mother. She was wrongfully accused by a girl she hated. She handled the situation calmly and lied to protect her family’s name. In the end the lie wasn’t beneficial; however, it’s the thought that counts.
Elizabeth Proctor Elizabeth Proctor is John proctors wife. Throughout the play, she seems to be struggling to forgive her husband and let go of her anger. The town sees her as a good woman and good wife. This was at least until she was accused by Abigail Williams of witchcraft. I believe there are three reasons to her as to why she lied in court when asked if she believes John had an affair. This first reason is to protect her husband’s name. The second reason is to protect the view of the family and avoid bringing shame to it. The final reason is her not knowing the