Crucible post two

       According to Dante those who partake in heresy spend eternity in the eighth circle of hell, would you claim to beilieve in witches to avoid this fate? Lying is a sin and yet we all partake in the practice. Sometimes we do so with foul intentions and other times we lie for self preservation. We often lie to avoid ridicule or persecution from our peers. The concept of lying is deep seeded in human nature. We lie to survive. In Salem this is what dozens of women had to do. We all like to think that we would stand tall and deny that which is not true but with the threat of hanging looming over your head you would find it surprisingly easy to lay aside your pride. You can see how John Proctor struggles with his sense of self pride and self preservation when asked about his belief in witches. "Procter- he knows this is critical, and is striving against his disgust with Hale and with himself for even awnsering." (Miller, 69). This shows us precious insight into the mind of John Proctor. We have know from the start that John is a leader and this drives home that point. He feels it is degrading to have to awnsner Mr.Hale and furthermore disgusted with himself for claiming to believe in this foolishness even though he believes naught. I Admire Elizabeth Proctor for holding her head high an standing by what she believes. I hope I have some of her courage if faced with such a situation. Lying or denying what you believes is never easy and not always right but in Salem it may just save your life.