Choose the following line from Act Four of The Crucible. Explain what is happening when the character says this line and what he/she means. Begin your paragraph:

Question

In Act Four of Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, John Proctor says,…

p. 145: ELIZABETH: He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.”

Answer 1

In Act Four of Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, John Proctor says, “He have his goodness now. God forbid I take it from him.” This line occurs during a pivotal moment of moral conflict as Proctor wrestles with the decision to confess to witchcraft in order to save his life. By this point, he is deeply aware of the implications of his choices and the weight of his integrity. Proctor's acknowledgment that "he have his goodness now" reflects his recognition that by choosing to stand by the truth and maintain his dignity, he has regained a sense of self-worth that had been lost during the hysteria of the Salem witch trials. Elizabeth’s response highlights her support for Proctor's personal redemption; she understands that his choice to refuse a false confession symbolizes his reclaiming of honor. The phrase "God forbid I take it from him" signifies her wish to protect that hard-won integrity, indicating her belief in the importance of truth and moral righteousness over mere survival. In essence, Proctor's statement underlines the profound themes of honor and integrity that resonate throughout the play, suggesting that true goodness cannot be compromised, even in the face of death.