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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 Chillingworths 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 Chillingworths identity a secret. Even as she watched Dimmesdale's health slowly dwindle from Chillingworths ill treatment, she would not speak the truth until she received Chillingworths 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 late to gain any dignity, if anything; he would be seen as a coward for simply dying after his confession. John Proctor is a character that stands out with integrity during the play The Crucible. He was a man who lived by his moral code throughout the play and was seen as a respectable member of society.
Although he did get involved in an affair with Abigail, he, unlike Dimmesdale, confessed to the congregation and was willing to suffer the consequences. After being accused of witchcraft by Mary Warren, he was sentenced to hang unless he confessed to his dealings with the devil. Tempted to save his life he actually signed the confession, yet he quickly ripped it at the thought of confessing to the lie and blackening his name. This showed his true integrity for even though it meant his life, he would not submit to a lie and ruin his good name. In conclusion, both John Proctor and Hester Prynne were two characters of high integrity. They lived by their moral code no matter what the consequence, and refused to give in to the temptations presented to them.
Such men of Dimmesdale's standard however feel integrity is secondary to getting what you desire. For them, their moral code is only a guide, commonly unused.
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Research essay sample on Integrity In Both The Scarlet Letter And Crucible
