Honesty is the best policy; a phrase that implies that one should be honest at all times. This expression is often learned at a young age and used in many different religions. In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, the Quaker village of Salem also supports this psalm written in the Bible. One of the community members is a charming farmer named John Proctor, a man who has broken the laws of the Ten Commandments. However, for all of John Proctor's faults, he is an exceptionally honest man. He confessed to his wife that he had committed adultery, admits to the court the reality behind Abigail's lies and his adultery, and maintains that truth until his death. Even though confessing caused him pain, and even his death, John spoke out not only for the sake of himself, but for everyone he cares about. One of John Proctor's many flaws is that he committed adultery with seventeen-year-old Abigail Williams. Elizabeth learned of this and, although reluctant, questioned John, who confessed the truth. Even though John didn't have to tell his wife about the affair, he did so anyway, and in doing so "she [Elizabeth] suddenly lost all trust in him [John]" (54). Proctor felt guilty for lying to his wife and admitted the truth, despite knowing that the penalty for adultery is death. Seven months later, Elizabeth still holds a grudge about it. “I did not move from there to there without thinking of pleasing you” (54), John says after being questioned, once again, by Elizabeth about why he came home late. Proctor thinks about what is best for Elizabeth, which is why he admitted his affair, despite losing her trust and favor because of it. John Proctor goes to court after his wife and friends are accused of witchcraft and... .... middle of paper ...... his children grew up with a name he was about to soil. John refuses to allow the Proctor family name and the names of the other defendants to be tarnished. Because John refuses to allow his admission of lying to be shown to the community, he is sentenced to death. As "the drums ring like bones in the morning air" (145) John Proctor is hanged for maintaining the truth that he never took part in witchcraft. After everything John Proctor has done, he is one of the most honest people in opera. He confessed many of his sins even though he knew he might die for doing so, and he stood by the truth even in the face of adversity. John is an example of a sincere person and should be admired. As they say, honesty is the best policy, and this expression should be supported just as Proctor supported it. Works Cited Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. New York, NY: Penguin, 1996. Print