Identity

When you hear the name Superman, what do most people think of?  Most would picture the invincible and strong man who saves those in need.  This is his identity: it is what makes him who he is and defines him as a person.  Identity.  The word itself has so much meaning and so much importance for everyone.  For example, Chris Brown's identity was one defined by his good music and his thrilling entertainment career.  However, after his incident with Rihanna, his identity has been scarred forever.  His good name has now been stained with the domestic violence he committed.  So when someone's good name is put into question, is it worth one's life to save?  This is the situation faced by John Proctor.  During the hysteria surrounding the Salem Witch Trials, John Proctor himself gets accused of witchcraft while trying to save his wife and his friends from their imminent death.  After this turn of events, Hale, Parris, and others attempt to get a confession out of him-- a lie-- that he had seen and was with the Devil.  Proctor confesses to this after much internal conflict; however, he is then asked to sign his name --his identity--on the confession to show the townspeople that the court was right about all of the witches.  To this, Proctor refuses, as Miller writes, "Because it is my name!  Because I cannot have another in my life... How may I live without my name?  I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" (Miller.4.725-730). This leads to Proctor’s death, as he refuses to have his good name spoiled publicly.  I believe Proctor made the right choice in this situation.  If he had signed his name on that paper, he would give the court credibility it did not deserve and his name would forever be looked down upon.  He will be seen as someone who is weak, gives up his friends, and is a sinner.  This would stain his good name forever. He would have to carry this with him along with the guilt of his actions.  By refusing to sign, however, he will preserve his good name.  Even if this leads to his death, his legacy will still be a respectful one.