Integrity in Characters of Different Literary Works

Integrity Integrity is the basing of ones actions on an internally consistent framework of principles. Meaning, one who has integrity bases their actions on a moral code of honor, character, strength, and courage. These principles guide a character’s motive and cause, putting public image aside to lead a life chivalry and conviction. One example this is Willie Bodega of Bodega Dreams by Ernesto Quià ±onez. Although Willie’s means are shady, he strives for the betterment of Spanish Harlem through the improvement of abandoned and damaged apartments. Next, there is John Proctor of The Crucible by Arthur Miller. Proctor refuses to provide a false confession is a true religious and personal stand. By refusing to give up his personal†¦show more content†¦This action shows integrity because Willie took a complete outsider of his business, and guides him in the way of running an empire. Next, there is John Proctor, an honorable man of the colony of Salem, Massachusetts. Procto r becomes tied up with the literal and figurative witch hunt in Salem, his wife is being accused by his secret lover Abigail Williams. The only way to have his wife escape a hanging is to admit that had relations with Abigail to the court. His great pride and fear of public view forced him to keep his adultery from the court. However, Proctor becomes more concerned with his individual integrity than his public status. Proctor still wants to cleanse his name, but for religious and personal reasons. Proctors refusal to supply a false confession is a true personal and religious stand. Confessing would dishonor his fellow prisoners, who are brave enough to hang at the gallows as statement of truth. More importantly, a false admission would also dishonor him, tainting not just his public standing, but also his soul and integrity. By refusing to forfeit his own integrity Proctor implicitly proclaims his conviction that such integrity will bring him to heaven. He is martyred, being redeeme d for his earlier sins. Lastly, there is Holden Caulfield who epitomizes the complete opposite of integrity. Holden glorifies his deceptions and lies he gets away with. He prides himself on how people fall for his dishonesty. This in and ofShow MoreRelatedTeaching Biblical Based Values And Helping Students Develop Their Characters As Christian Young Men And Women980 Words   |  4 Pagesand purpose of human existence† (Knight, 2006, p. 230). As Knight so clearly states, the secondary English classroom is rife with opportunities for teaching biblical-based values and helping students develop their characters as Christian young men and women. By examining literary characters, historical figures, writing samples, and by expressing themselves through the use of language, students encounter many opportunities to reflect upon and discuss a plethora of values. 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