Why does John Proctor decide to tear his confession into pieces?

John Proctor's decision to tear his confession into pieces is fundamentally an act of affirming his commitment to the truth. Throughout "The Crucible," Proctor grapples with his own integrity and the moral implications of falsely confessing to witchcraft to save his life. By tearing the confession, he symbolizes his refusal to further contribute to the lies and hysteria that have engulfed Salem.

This moment represents a pivotal transformation for Proctor; it reflects his desire to reclaim his honor and integrity, even at the cost of his life. Proctor recognizes that to live under a false confession would mean sacrificing his principles, and he ultimately chooses to die with his truth intact rather than live in deceit. This powerful act underscores themes of honesty and personal integrity that are central to the narrative, illustrating the conflict between societal pressures and individual moral choices.