Integrity in both the Scarlet Letter and the Crucible
Integrity in both the Scarlet Letter and the Crucible
“Integrity, a firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values.” Merriam – Webster dictionary. A character with integrity is willing to sacrifice anything of substantial value, even their life or reputation, to uphold the moral code they live by. It takes someone of strong character to possess integrity, for the temptation to give in is every so often astronomically appealing. In The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne, Hester Prynne is a character of true integrity who upholds her promise with Chillingworth and refuses to flea from the punishment of the “A”. On the contrary, Dimmesdale was a man of low integrity, for he would not confess the truth about his adulteress affair with Hester until seven years after the fact. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, John Proctor was a man of integrity who refused to sign the confession even though it meant his life.
All through The Scarlet Letter novel, there was one theme of Hester’s integrity during her abuse from society. Starting during her walk from the prison, society unceasingly demoralized her spirit by constantly reminding her of the sinful act. Hester however, was accepting of punishment, for she knew she was deserving of it, and would not hide from its coming. By embroidering a “loud” scarlet letter, she wore the symbol of her sin prominently, displaying her integrity in not attempting to lie or hide the truth. Hester had the opportunity to flea the situation, cast away the letter “A” and never return, however she was too strong a character to give in so easily to temptation, another instance of her integrity. Hester’s integrity was again proved by her ability to keep Chillingworth’s identity a secret. Even as she watched Dimmesdale’s health slowly dwindle from Chillingworth’s ill treatment, she would not speak the truth until she received Chillingworth’s approval. This was a prime example of honesty and integrity in Hester’s character.
On the Contrary, Dimmesdale was a character of low integrity. Honest with himself, he was however untruthful with the congregation from fear of the punishment. He knew he had done wrong, it was evident in the self- torture he inflicted upon himself, yet he was deceitful with society, showing the lack of integrity his character possessed. It took him seven years and a deathbed to finally come clean with his fellow parishioners. It was too...