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The Crucible By Arthur Miller

Good Essays

“Your reputation and integrity are everything. Follow through on what you say you’re going to do. Your credibility can only be built over time, and it is built from the history of your words and actions.” Maria Razumich-Zec put into words the importance that society places on reputation. It has become clear that what other people think of someone is far more important to that individual than what they may know to be true about themselves. In todays society is very rare to find people that are content with what they are, despite what the people surrounding them believe. This notion that in order to be validated there has to be external approval dates back to the seventeenth century and earlier. During the Salem Witch Trials, men and women were killed daily due to the thoughts of others. In Arthur Miller’s Crucible, it is clearly demonstrated that reputation is a huge role in the daily lives of people. A fine example of how The Crucible displays the importance of reputation is obviously with the character of John Proctor. The actions that take place in the play are due to Abigail Williams longing for John Proctor to be hers yet again. John and Abigail had an affair months back, and in fear of what may happen to her family, Elizabeth Proctor banished Abigail from her home. During this time, the act of adultery was a heinous crime. If one were to commit such a sin, then the punishment would be severe. In fear of the consequences he might face, even just as simple as the

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