John Proctor is thought of as an honest man in Salem. Even though he may not be as religiously involved as his neighbors, Proctor is a “respected and even feared” man in Salem. “He is a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of the time, but against his own vision of decent conduct.” Proctor’s lack of religious concern is a great downfall. Fortunately, how the people of Salem feel about him leads to the great amount of support that he receives during the witch hunt and trials.
As a husband, Proctor plays his role well. When given the opportunity to confess, he takes it. Given he is an honest man, he does have trouble deciding what to do. He feels the need to discuss it with his wife. When agreeing on a false confession to save his life, he feels guilty. “My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man.”
John Proctor is very true to himself. After signing the confession, he refuses to let it be placed on the church door. He does not want his reputation in Salem ruined. “Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life… How may I live without my name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!”
John Proctor, being an honest man and a dedicated husband, also served as a trustworthy friend. When he is asked to give his friends’ names to the court, he refuses. “I speak my own sins; I cannot judge another… I have no tongue for it.” Unlike the others who were tried and confessed, Proctor is loyal. He refused to give away the names of people involved in witchery.
John Proctor is the epitome of a husband, a citizen, a friend, and a man. One would know him as the honest and respectable man in town. He cares for his family. His family was put before his pride. He retained his dignity when tried for witchcraft. John Proctor is an iconic character in American literature.
