This flaw can be best described as pride. In the introduction of his character, it is said that he, “has come to regard himself as a kind of fraud. But no hint of this has yet to appear on the surface”(Miller). This shows that even John, as well respected as he is, has many flaws. But he refuses to let anyone see them so as not to lose that respect, and tarnish his name in the town. This is seen once more in Act 4 of the play, where John has the opportunity to save his life by lying and confessing his sins of conspiring with the devil. But when asked to sign his confession for all of Salem to see, he is immediately discouraged and refuses to let Danforth have his signed confession, “Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church!”(Miller). John Proctor doesn’t want to be seen as one who gave up when so many of his friends have died, and would rather be hanged than for that to go
This flaw can be best described as pride. In the introduction of his character, it is said that he, “has come to regard himself as a kind of fraud. But no hint of this has yet to appear on the surface”(Miller). This shows that even John, as well respected as he is, has many flaws. But he refuses to let anyone see them so as not to lose that respect, and tarnish his name in the town. This is seen once more in Act 4 of the play, where John has the opportunity to save his life by lying and confessing his sins of conspiring with the devil. But when asked to sign his confession for all of Salem to see, he is immediately discouraged and refuses to let Danforth have his signed confession, “Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church!”(Miller). John Proctor doesn’t want to be seen as one who gave up when so many of his friends have died, and would rather be hanged than for that to go