Importance Of Reputation In The Crucible

The Crucible was written by Arthur Miller in 1952 and has remained such a renowned play in American literature because the play pays close attention to the importance of reputation, which continues to be as much of a priority in 1692 as in modern times. The play opens with girls getting caught dancing in the woods by Rev. Parris, which escalates to the assumption of them practicing witchcraft. The girls, lead by Abigail Williams, pledge their love for God and undertake the responsibility of accusing whoever they please of witchcraft, usually under false assumptions. An accuser, Mary Warren, does whatever it takes to stay on Abigail’s good side, even if that means going against the principles of her religion. Reverend Parris prioritizes reputation over religion when he pledges to not lie in court, but convinces his daughter, Betty, to fabricate a story to justify her fainting in the woods after he caught them. Lastly, when Mary Warren betrays John Proctor and claims, “You are the Devil’s man!” he refuses to confess of witchcraft to

The importance of reputation frequently overshadows religion in The Crucible, radiating through Mary Warren, Reverend Parris, and John Proctor by neglecting to comply to the strict Puritan beliefs established in their

Whether attempting to maintain safe relations, keep family out of harms way or to die with honor, each character placed reputation above religious morals to keep a good name in society. The importance of reputation makes a prominent appearance in today’s society as well as in the Crucible. For example, if a politician makes one bad move, it can end their career for good, which reflects what Parris’s fear of losing his place in society because of accusations of witchcraft in his family. Reputation is immensely important in 1692, and possible even more so, in modern