I would say that John Proctor would represent the theme of
integrity in Miller's work. The idea of the theme of integrity involves being able to
stand for values that are transcendent, universal, and represent the "better" angels of
one's nature. In refusing to sign the confession and understanding what this sacrifice
entails, Proctor represents integrity in a setting that completely is devoid of it. Its
thematic development is critical in two elements. The first is that specific characters
represent it, and the second is that others around them do not. At a time when so many
in the town are simply signing confessions known to be false so that they may protect
their own interests, Proctor defies this in his display of integrity. When he asserts
or clings to the idea of his own "name," it represents a moment where the purity of
integrity overcomes the impurity of Salem:
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Because it is my name! Because I cannot
have another in my life! Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth
the dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my name? I have given you
my soul, leave me my
name!
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