The Truth Will Set You Free

Isaiah Houston Mrs. Dempsey English 3, Period4 October 15, 2012 The Truth will set You Free “Honesty is the best Policy”- Benjamin Franklin. Ever since we were young our parents, teachers and mentors have told us that we should be honest with ourselves and each other. When people lie and act deceitful it will eventually catch up to them. I think that the lies people tell will start to pile up and weigh down your conscience. A prime example of this is in Arthur Miller’s play, the Crucible, when John Proctor hides his affair with Abigail and it continues to haunt him.

In Arthur Miller’s the Crucible, he uses John Proctor’s character to illustrate that the truth will put one’s mind at ease and he/she will be set free. With witch trials going on, lies are eminent and they overshadow the truth. People are getting accused of witchcraft for the wrong reasons. The good names of all the respected citizens and being ruined and there’s little to nothing they can do about it. Proctor finds out that his wife Elizabeth is being accused by Abigail, the young lady he has come to know, and he sought revenge against her.

John Proctor prepares to face his demons head on and come out with honesty. In order to save his wife, Proctor comes out and admits himself as a lecher in court in order to further convict Abigail and free Elizabeth. Proctor tells the Judge, “I have known her, sir. I have known her” (page 110). Saying that statement, Proctor crossed the threshold into a more open and honest life. He feels relieved to have the burden of his guilt lifted. By telling the truth Proctor feels free for one of the first times in his life. People can truly be considered honest when they’re willing to put their good name on the line.

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Once he comes out as a lecher, John Proctor puts his good name on the line and lifts the guilt off of his conscience. The good names of all the respected citizens and being ruined and there’s little they can do about it. In the midst of pleading his case Proctor tells the Judge Danforth, “I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name ? you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one” (page 111)! Judge Danforth is skeptical about believing Proctor so it is up to John to make a convincing case as to why charges on Elizabeth should be dropped.

Proctor has all his cards on the table by relying on Mary Warren’s testimony and is willing to ruin his good name for the sake of his wife and friends. From the beginning of the play up to this point people can tell that there has been a change of behavior in John. He seems more aware and selfless when it comes to the feelings and needs of other people. On his mission to save Elizabeth John is joined by his friends Giles Corey and Francis Nurse whose wives have been charged with witchcraft as well.

It almost seems like a lost cause until they find out that Mary Warren is aware of Abigail’s lies and she is reluctant to testify on their behalf. But once they get to court Mary Warren betrays them because she cracks from the peer pressure, to maintain the lie that Abigail is telling. Mary Warren soon enough sides with Abigail and Proctor is convicted of wizardry. At this point, no one in Salem is safe, they are all in danger of being convicted or accused of witchcraft. Proctor, even though he was convicted, has a chance at freedom for him and Elizabeth.

But that freedom would require him to lie and put flaw on his good name. Eventually Proctor refuses to further dirty his name and was put to death along with all his innocent friends Martha Corey, Rebecca Nurse, and Giles Corey. Upon his deathbed his wife Elizabeth now free and says, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him” (page 145)! Personally I think that Elizabeth can speak for everyone when she says that John has made right with everybody and has a clear conscience as he goes to his grave. People can truly be considered honest when they’re willing to sacrifice yourself for others.

In Arthur Miller’s the Crucible, he uses John Proctor’s character to illustrate that the truth will put your mind at ease and set you free. When you lie and act deceitful it will eventually catch up to you. Like when Abigail tells all her lies and they eventually catch up to her, causing her to flee Salem. A prime example of this is in Arthur Miller’s play, the Crucible, when John Proctor hides his affair with Abigail and it continues to haunt him. Ever since we were young our parents, teachers and mentors have told us that we should be honest with ourselves and each other. “Honesty is the best Policy”- Benjamin Franklin.

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