| Theme: Act 4 In Act 4 of The Crucible, the struggle of lying to save a life comes to it's full intensity. John Procter faces the most difficult decision that will save or end his life. His decision is what represents the theme of The Crucible, which is; it's better to stand up for the truth (even if it costs your life), than to tell a lie that will save it. John Procter is in jail, on chargers of witchcraft. (One among many others.) The day had come when he was set to be sent to the gallows. Reverend Hale knew that what was going on was ridiculous, and that John was innocent. The only way he could save his life was to confess the charges made against him. (Which Hale tries to convince him to do.) Convinced by him, Procter confesses to judge Danforth that he had encounters wth the devil. Elizabeth, Johns wife, wants John to make up his own mind and that whatever he says, she'll stand by his decision. While confessing, Procter is almost home free, until he's asked to sign a paper. This causes his entire confession to be taken back, because of his urge to tell the truth. He feels that his word was enough of a confession, and he shouldn't have to give up his name as well. ( "...Because it is my name! . . . Because I lie and sign myself to lies! ...I have given you my soul; leave me my name." pg. 1333) He also mentions that he knew God heard his confessions, which was also enough. By refusing to give up his name and sign Danforths paper, Arthur Miller sets into place the theme of not only Act 4, but the entire play. John Procter stood up for what was right- the truth. He would have rather told the truth about himself and die for it, than to save his own life by playing the towns corrpted witch-hunt game and lie just to save him from dying for the false accusations charged against him. |