“PROCTOR: I cannot mount the gibbet like a saint. It is a fraud. I am not that man. (She is silent.) My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man. Nothing’s spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long before.”
What does this quotation mean to you?
Why do you think the author wrote this quotation?
This quotation from Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible" spoken by the character Proctor showcases his internal struggle between maintaining his integrity and saving his own life. The quotation reflects Proctor's realization that confessing to a false accusation, even if it will spare his life, goes against his principles and will not absolve him of his guilt. He acknowledges that his reputation and moral fiber have already been compromised, and sacrificing his principles further would be a futile attempt at redemption.
The author wrote this quotation to highlight the theme of integrity and the price one must pay for it. Miller uses Proctor's character to emphasize the importance of staying true to oneself and standing up for what is right, even in the face of severe consequences. This quotation serves as Proctor's ultimate declaration of honesty and refusal to give in to the oppressive and hypocritical society around him. It also emphasizes the idea that a person's actions and character cannot be completely redeemed or reversed through a single act of deception.