She finally accepts him, the situation and what her life has become. Parris, Abigail, and others to protect their reputations. Elizabeth and Proctor want to believe that Rebecca’s good reputation will save her, but in this time of craziness, nothing is certain. Absorb this lesson's information about Elizabeth Proctor, and your newly acquired knowledge will enable you to: To unlock this lesson you must be a Study.com Member. Sciences, Culinary Arts and Personal I will not have it said my name is spoiled. This is considered adultery, and during this time, adultery could be punished by death. Elizabeth knows her husband has been unfaithful, however she stands by him and keeps up the pretenses to protect his reputation, and by extension, hers. Reputation is an interesting concept. 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Upon realization of the affair, Elizabeth begins to blame herself and starts to understand John's actions. He spurns his reputation as a witch hunter and urges the officials. His negative reactions to the girls' accusations may have caused Elizabeth to become one of the next to be accused of practicing witchcraft. Elizabeth Proctor shows integrity and courage, as she knows that her life is on the line if she goes, but still decides to go peacefully. and career path that can help you find the school that's right for you. She used accusations of witchcraft to destroy her enemies reputation to only protect herself. She can't bear to let go of the pride she has or her loyalty to her husband. Here she resorts to petty name-calling in order to cast doubt in John’s mind. Therefore, John decided to keep quiet about the affair, yet Abigail wants to get rid of Elizabeth so that she can swoop in and marry John. Study.com has thousands of articles about every Even though Proctor was a Christian and loved his wife, he committed an adulterous act, but felt genuinely guilty thus … Due to the fact that John admitted his appalling crime to Elizabeth, he thought by admitting it to the court, and her confirming it, it would prove that she cannot lie and is innocent. After John concedes to fornication with Abigail, Danforth calls Elizabeth in to confirm the accusation. Theme Of Reputation In The Crucible 787 Words | 4 Pages. When asked if Proctor committed lechery, she lies for the first time and responds “no” (Miller 113). PROCTOR: ‘it is as though I come into a court when I come into this house’ (Proctor thought that everytime he came into the house he has judged Elizabeth as if it was court. At the beginning of the story, she and her husband, John Proctor, were known as the best judges of character, hypocrisy and sin. Elizabeth finds out about John and Abigail’s affair, however she wants to be a loyal and good wife, and not allow his mistake to cause him punishment. He would have a reputation of a lecher and she would be socially exiled with him. Not sure what college you want to attend yet? Earn Transferable Credit & Get your Degree, Mary Warren: Monologue, Character Traits & Character Analysis, John Proctor: Character Traits & Analysis, 9th Grade English: Homework Help Resource, Common Core ELA - Literature Grades 11-12: Standards, CSET English Subtest IV (108): Practice & Study Guide. Goody Proctor is a gossiping liar!” (12) To avoid altercation with her uncle and possible ties to her involvement in Betty Parris’ witching, Abigail clearly places the blame on Goody Proctor by negatively labelling her. She lied under oath to protect her families’ prestige in the community. Also, she knows her place in society and does not transcend her authority. One of the characters in the play is Elizabeth Proctor. During Mary Warren and Proctor’s case against Abigail, Hale becomes the voice of reason. Reputation . Quiz & Worksheet - What is the Fairness Doctrine? Like most women during the colonial days, Elizabeth Proctor was true to her husband, family and God. The Puritans placed great emphasis on reputation. Elizabeth’s honesty proves to be an important factor all through the book. All other trademarks and copyrights are the property of their respective owners. This was the case for Abigail Williams. Visit the AP English Literature: Help and Review page to learn more. Elizabeth is a good woman known for never telling a lie. You Might Also Like. At first, Hale appears to be convinced of the presence of witchcraft. Forgive me, forgive me, John - I never knew such goodness in the World!' Solved: Why does Elizabeth Proctor lie to save her husband's reputation? Abigail, also, leaves John because he chooses Elizabeth. After Rebecca Nurse and Elizabeth Proctor are arrested Hale advocates for the accused case in court. Reputation in The Crucible IOP by Katie Roderick Proctor's "Bad" Reputation Proctor: "Because it is my name! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of them that hang! The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, uses real events to develop a fictional play. 34 chapters | Elizabeth Proctor is a moral, Christian woman who is one of the main characters of the play. Rebecca Nurse and, eventually, John Proctor, choose to protect their integrity.. February 29, 2020. She is seen as a sweet, innocent, young girl. John Proctor was dismissive of her claims (as he was of all the accusations) and made her work harder; he felt that witchcraft should be suspected of the bewitched girls themselves and not of the respectable women of the village. The importance of reputation in the society of Salem was majorly important because it led John Proctor to believe his adultery and self-worth blackened his life. Why does Elizabeth lie what kind of irony is this? Get access risk-free for 30 days, Danforth brings Elizabeth Proctor in for questioning on this issue, but she covers up the affair to protect John’s reputation. She is asked by Danforth whether her husband had an affair with Abigail, and she denies it, wanting to save Proctor's reputation. This unfortunately tarnishes John's good name and he is punished for witchcraft. This, however, led to the downfall of what she held closest to her: reputation and marriage. Marry Warren was identified by Williams stating that she saw Warren sign the devils’ book.…, I saw Bridget Bishop with the devil!” (Miller, 1996, p.25) These are some of the false accusations that Abigail yells after Tituba confesses. Select a subject to preview related courses: Unfortunately, her realization isn't enough to save John from inevitable punishment for his actions or to save herself from what she admits to being her own inadequacies as a wife. Goody Proctor seems to embrace these faults and tries to accept them, and protect them. When Elizabeth tells Proctor that fourteen people have been jailed, the stage directions say that Proctor " simply looks at her unable to grasp it . Perhaps that’s why she married John Proctor, who as well shows integrity and courage. Miller could have written Elizabeth Proctor, married to the adulterous John Proctor, to be scornful, vengeful or pitiful, even. Proctor has a mindset that he does not have anything left for him, but a name that has lied and has been blackened. courses that prepare you to earn In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, there are tragic heroes. Remove her!” “Elizabeth I have confessed it!” “Oh, God!”” (Pg.1208). Tragically, Elizabeth Proctor's desire to protect her husband's reputation leads to him being labeled a liar and his incrimination.