In the Crucible, what was john proctor's difficult decision that was somehow related to the society in which he lived in?
It's been well over 50 years since I read this work. These sites should help you:
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crucible/
http://www.enotes.com/crucible
In the play "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller, John Proctor is faced with a difficult decision that is closely tied to the society in which he lives. To understand John Proctor's dilemma, it is important to examine the historical and social context of the play, which is set in Salem, Massachusetts, in 1692 during the infamous Salem witch trials.
During this time, society in Salem was characterized by strict religious beliefs and a culture of fear and paranoia surrounding witchcraft. When several young girls in the community start accusing people of practicing witchcraft, panic and hysteria ensue. In this climate, anyone accused of being a witch would face severe consequences, including imprisonment and even execution.
John Proctor, a farmer and respected member of the community, finds himself torn between two choices in relation to this society.
Firstly, he is faced with the decision of whether to remain silent or to speak out against the fraudulent accusations of witchcraft. As the accusations start to escalate and innocent people are being condemned, Proctor grapples with his conscience and moral duty. He ultimately chooses to stand up against the false accusations and expose the truth, risking his own reputation and safety in the process.
Secondly, Proctor faces the difficult decision of whether to falsely confess to witchcraft in order to save his own life. When he is accused by the girls, he is given the opportunity to confess and live, but this would require him to admit to something he did not do. Proctor's internal struggle is fueled by his deep-seated integrity and the fear of compromising his principles.
Ultimately, John Proctor decides to maintain his integrity and refuses to falsely confess. This decision reflects his unwillingness to compromise his moral values, even in the face of extreme societal pressure and potential death.
So, John Proctor's difficult decision is intertwined with the society he lives in, as he must navigate the oppressive and unjust environment of the Salem witch trials, while staying true to his own principles and sense of justice.