Proctor’s Adherence to Principle In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John Proctor is given the choice whether to sacrifice his morals in order to save his life or to be hanged following his beliefs. Hale, an expert on witchcraft, makes a statement that Proctor should not throw his life away in prideful adherence to a principle. Hale is incorrect in his statement because free will should trump determinism. By following principle, Proctor has a greater significance in the novel because he actively searches for evidence, confesses the truth, and exposes corruption in Salem village. Proctor believes that an argument needs to be backed up with significant reason and evidence. Upon learning that Rebecca Nurse has been charged for witchcraft, he immediately…show more content… The trials in Salem have diverged from true Christian values and Proctor has an outburst explaining the judge's actions are evil: “A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boots of Lucifier, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours Danforth! For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud” (111). In this powerful metaphor, Proctor turns the judge’s claim on its head, as the judges are the people that are conspiring with the Devil, because they are the ones causing harm on innocent people. The judges are in positions of power where they are able to prejudge others and avoid looking at themselves. This message is so important that if it were to spread throughout the village, the accused victims would rebel against the judges. Once Proctor is forced into jail, he attempts to make a false confession: “Is that document a lie? If it is a lie I will not accept it! What say you? I will not deal in lies, Mister!” (133). Throughout the play, it has been repeated that if a person gives a false confession they receive a shortened jail sentence rather than execution. In hopes to make Proctor confess, the judges make a confession seem in both of their best interests. Upon receiving Proctor's confession, it solidifies the notion that there are based on facts. Proctor is trapped and either choice leads to execution. The law system is so corrupted that a person is deemed guilty before innocent. By being hanged Proctor personally rebels against the courts and will make a powerful impression on the community. This impression on the community has already been felt by Hale who realizes the sins he has committed: “I came to do the devil’s work. I come to counsel Christians they should belie themselves. There is blood on my head! Can you not see the blood on my
