Final answer:
John Proctor declines to sign a false confession in 'The Crucible' to maintain his integrity despite the cost of his life, representing the theme of upholding one's reputation and making a statement about personal conscience.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act 4 of The Crucible, John Proctor refuses to sign the confession because doing so would compromise his integrity and reputation as well as the respect he holds for his friends who have been falsely condemned.
Proctor struggles with his conscience throughout the play, and in the end, he chooses to protect his name and the truth over saving his own life. This act of defiance is a stand against the hysteria and falsehoods that have consumed Salem.
Proctor's refusal is a critical moment that highlights the theme of reputation and integrity within the play. By not signing, Proctor asserts that his personal honesty is more valuable than his life, making a powerful statement about the importance of individual conscience in the face of societal pressure.
The scene where Proctor declines to sign his confession is filled with emotion and moral conflict, which ultimately leads to his tragic end, but also serves as a redeeming moment for his character.