After reading The Crucible, I really wonder why Proctor chose to die instead of confession to the wrong accusations and living. For people today, the question is not completely answered. However, in the past it was normal. That answer is found in the strong religious background that most of the accused were raised on. John exemplifies the importance of a strong name throughout his actions and choices throughout the play; most significantly the fourth act when he chose death over discracing his family name. Giles' refusal to reveal the name of the informant who accused Putnam of conspiracy with the devil also shows the role of justice in these peoples lives. Throughout the play, one of the central themes continues to be john proctors, Corey Giles, and Rebecca Nurse's refusal to degrade their souls with lies of the confession only to save themselves from the unjust accusations of witchcraft. In this time and era the people living in and around Salem were in puritan faith and lived in very strict lives. At this point, in history there was still no separation between churches and states, so the church had a major role in each individuals life. When Reverend Parris came upon the children of Salem and dancing and conducting against their religion. Giles Corey and Rebecca Nurse were killed in the end all because Proctor didn't want to confess. Both people believed in letting god judge their faults. Proctor also felt this way when arguing to Dansforth about his confession to adultery, he turned as God as his witness and said "i have confessed myself! there is no good Penitence but it be nailed upon the church. God sees my name!; God knows how black my sins are!". Throughout history. people have chosen to die with honor instread of living full of guilt the remainder of their life.
