John realizes the power of his name in the town and realizes the outcome of this decision. He knows this entire situation is based on a lie and won't, in a sense, compromise others' integrity on his own actions. He slowly becomes a hero as he reveals his own secrets to protect others. He confesses his adultery which is considered bad in Puritan society, to stop the accusations of witchcraft but instead that was thrown to the side. The denial to sign the confession was one of the only heroic acts that was accepted by Danforth and the judges.
He gives in to the court and Elizabeth by giving his confession but on how far that he willing gave his confession showed heroic qualities but still giving in represents stooge qualities.
L
ReplyDeleteI also thought that John had both qualities of a stooge and a hero. We see a lot of his hero like qualities nearer to his death when he starts sacrificing his own name to help others. For example when he admits to adultery. However, wouldn't you consider this stooge like? You bring up the point that he doesn't want the town to see him and use him as an example, but hasn't he already ruined his image by committing and admitting to adultery? A stooge like thing that John always does is that he contradicts him self. Another time he contradicts himself is when he doesn't want to go to hell by lying, yet he already should know he is going to hell for adultery, but I digress.
ReplyDeleteAnyways, good argument!