Danforth: Do you mean to deny this confession when you are free? Proctor: I mean to deny nothing! Danforth: Then explain to me, Mr. Proctor, why you will not let - Proctor: [With the cry of his whole soul] 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!
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Proctor refuses to falsely confess, asserting that his integrity and identity are worth more than his life.
- In plain terms
- He will not sign a lie to save himself because his name matters.
- What can you take from it?
- Integrity is more valuable than a life built on lies.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- What is your name worth?
- When do you choose truth over safety?
Another view
Some might argue survival is more important than reputation.
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