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Topic sentence: John Proctor's tragic flaw is his overwhelming pride and inability to fully preserve his reputation while maintaining personal integrity during the Salem witch trials. Context of Quote: In the play, John Proctor is a respected farmer who becomes entangled in the hysteria of the witch trials after having a previous affair with Abigail Williams, a young woman who now seeks revenge by accusing his wife of witchcraft. Concrete detail: When Proctor is asked to sign a false confession, he initially agrees to save his life, but ultimately refuses to have his signed confession publicly displayed, declaring, "I have given you my soul; leave me my name!" Analysis: This moment reveals Proctor's complex internal struggle between survival and personal honor. By refusing to have his reputation permanently stained, he chooses moral dignity over physical preservation. His pride prevents him from allowing a public document to permanently label him a witch and a liar. Analysis: Proctor's tragic flaw manifests in his intense desire to protect his reputation, which paradoxically leads to his downfall. His pride prevents him from easily admitting his past mistakes and ultimately causes him to be executed, making his moral stand both his greatest strength and his ultimate weakness. Concluding sentence: Through Proctor's tragic flaw, Miller illustrates how personal integrity and the preservation of one's reputation can become a destructive force when taken to extreme lengths.