Proctor's honor, respect and reputation are what kept him from declaring himself an adulterer, which most likely would have ended during the witch trials . Elizabeth even asked him to go to court and tell them that Abigail is a fake! He nevertheless declares: “I can’t keep it, I’ll think about it!” » (Miller) This is all due to his dignity. However, when Elizabeth is taken to prison, John is given the choice between his pride or his wife, Elizabeth. He tries to find a compromise by having Mary Warren appear in court. Only to save his wife, by confessing to her the lies and tricks concerning the witches involved. After a while this fails when Mary Warren reports him and he is forced to admit to being an adulterer, putting aside his self-esteem in order to free his wife. However, Proctor is also taken to prison after his wife, Elizabeth, is questioned about Proctor's confession by Judge Danforth, who asks, "Is your husband a leacher!" ? » (Miller) Elizabeth denies this in an attempt to protect Proctor's name, instead causing Proctor to be arrested for lying and witchcraft. This proves that Proctor is trying to do better, but his disasters keep happening to him and make the readers feel sorrow.