Pride, dignity and reputation are characteristics that are becoming increasingly rare in our society. In the play The Crucible, Arthur Miller powerfully analyzes the theme of personal dignity through the stories of several unusual characters. Throughout the show Miller begins to focus his themes around traits such as pride, dignity and reputation, as a result, the theme is "Human dignity and moral integrity are more valuable than life without them". Three characters are represented by this theme. John Proctor who would like to be known as the man who always does the right thing; Reverend Parris, known for being the ecclesiastical figure who lives by the Bible and its teachings; Finally, Lieutenant Governor Danforth wants to be known as a tough judge who always makes the right decisions. John Proctor is the model citizen. He is a persistent, honest and full of integrity man, he was just a proud man. When all is said and done, at the end of the show, when John is asked to sign a confession, John refuses, shouting that he wouldn't "Because it's my name! Because I can't have another one in my life! Because I lie and I abandon myself to lies! Because I am not worth the dust on the feet of those who hang! How can I live without my name? (143). Even in the face of death, he will not give in to a lie, he will not give up his name, and he will refuse to betray his friends to save his own life. John fails to reveal his name, which allows him to find the courage to die, grievously, with his goodness inactive. John Proctor became a martyr for what he believed was right and prevented further injustice and death. One of the main motifs of The Crucible is the importance of a good name. The average... the middle of the card... is a very narrow form of justice, right or wrong. When he said, "A person either stands with this court or is to be imputed to it... no uncorrupted man can fear this court." (85) This foreshadows how Proctor will be condemned, for although he is known as a good man in the eyes of the townspeople, yet Danforth can only see his guilt and his unfaithfulness to Christianity. He believes in honor, respect and recognition. The court is essentially just a human construct, but Danforth takes great pride in these human constructs and in doing things for show, which may illustrate his stubbornness in passing judgment. Danforth fails to realize the hysterical conclusions presented to him in the courtroom. Danforth realizes that it may be too late to go back on his decisions: “I cannot forgive them when twelve have already been hanged for the same crime. It's not fair." (113)