John Proctor is a character who very evidently cares greatly about how he is perceived. Proctor is a very proud character. However, he had a secret. Unbenounced to the rest of the town, Proctor had an affair with a girl named Abigail. When rumours of witchcraft arose, John Proctor knew he could stop them, but that would involve admitting to the entire town that he had an affair. However, eventually Proctor …show more content…
As a prominent figure in the community, Parris cares a lot about how his actions are perceived and how it will affect the town's view of him. “I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character.” (11) Parris acts as if everyone is determined to tarnish his reputation as a respected member of the town. He bases all of his decisions off this fear, which leads to him not always making the decisions which are best for the town and its inhabitants. “But if you trafficked with spirits in the forest I must know it now, for surely my enemies will, and they will ruin me with it.” (10) Parris lived in a nearly constant state of paranoia, he feared losing his reputation above all.
Abigail Williams creates the main conflict of the play, and lacks any trace of integrity. She sets up an entire story to fool the townspeople, simply to get to John Proctor. She lies and deceives those around her to keep her innocent facade. “My name is good in the village! I will not have it said my name is spoiled.” (12) Abigail’s lies result in the death of many townspeople. However, she continues to point fingers and destroy the reputations of all who oppose her. “She sends her spirit on me in church; she makes me laugh at prayer!” (41)
These are some of the many examples of Reputation and Integrity throughout this unit. These qualities, or lack thereof, are a large part of what caused the downfall of