Theme Of Reputation In The Crucible

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Pages: 3

“It takes twenty years to build a reputation and five minutes to ruin it.” In a classical tragedy, “The Crucible”, Arthur Miller, the author, creates the reputation as one of the major factors in the Salem community, where wealth and power covered truth and dignity. In an environment where reputation plays such a relevant role, led to the accusations, confessions, and even legal proceedings. Countless characters in the Crucible base their actions on the desire to protect their respective stature. The theme of reputation is prevalent throughout the play and caused to the reversal of social structure within the Salem Community. First, John Proctor is the tragic hero in the Crucible, he is also the voice of common sense. “I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" (Proctor, IV. 281-294). This quote shows how much he values his reputation even in the worst situation. However, there is one thing that Proctor was afraid of becoming, and …show more content…
She is wicked, confident girl who lies to get what she wants and defends her name and her life. Abigail is a defensive girl, she is always defending her reputation and herself to get out of trouble. Abigail was also an orphan, her uncle Parris feeds and clothes her. Despite her low status, she soon became the most powerful person in the Salem community by lying, accusation, and caused innocent people to be killed.
In conclusion, all of this could not happen if people of the Salem can trust each other, listen to the truth, and worry about the character and not the reputation, because the character is who you are, and reputation is only what people think of you. John Proctor, Elizabeth Proctor, and Abigail are great examples from the Salem community that put their reputation above everything, which led to their downfall and tragics. It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it, John Proctor showed it in his