Being so apprehensive about the way his image portrays to others, Judge Danforth becomes irate when someone begins to simplify him. Building up his name through the court of society, Danforth’s reputation externally means the most. In the courthouse, Giles speaks of his wife to Judge Danforth. He declares to bring clarity to the court, of the false accusations upon his wife. While trying to plead his situation, Danforth cuts him off with his power to do so by saying, “Disrespect …show more content…
Proctor has an upstanding reputation according to the townspeople. However, mentally and emotionally he knows the likelihood of maintenance of his reputation will cease when the truth comes forth. Proctor tries to preserve his life by confessing with the devil instead of being hung. As the court continues in the end of Act Four, Proctor exclaims to Danforth “How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave my name” (Miller 886)! When refusing to sign his name for the village to see, he realizes his name is more important than death itself. He would put his life on the line for the sustainability of his reputation. Through these actions, the reader can get a grasp for whom Proctor really is, dying for his remarkable name.
Danforth, Proctor, and Reverend Parris, each have different motives that drive them to act accordingly in hopes to maintain the good reputation people of Salem long for. Although their situations differ, each of their actions are similar in a way that affects the outcome of their