Week 5 Homework

John Proctor at first decides to confess to witchcraft and live, instead of being hanged like others who have failed to confess. After speaking to his wife, Elizabeth, he says that he will sign the confession. However, while signing the confession, he hesitates, especially when he sees that Rebecca Nurse is going to witness him signing the confession. When asked whether she will confess, Rebecca Nurse says, 'Why, it is a lie... I cannot, I cannot.' More reluctant after seeing the horror in Rebecca's eyes, John finally refuses to sign the confession. He says, 'Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another one in my life... I have given you my should, leave me my name!' Through this quote, you can see that John is desperate in at least keeping his name clean and good, as his reputation once was.