Throughout The Crucible we are introduced to and follow four or five important
characters that Arthur Miller elaborated upon. One of those characters is Reverend
Samuel Parris, a bitter minister who came to Salem for unclear reasons. That reason may
have been he was looking for a small town to control, maybe he was trying to escape
something or someone, or he may have just wanted a fresh, clean start; whatever that
reason was it is for sure he had no idea what he was going to start. If the blame of the
Salem Witchcraft Trails were to be traced back to one individual it would certainly be
Reverend Parris.
When we are first introduced to Parris he is at the side of his daughters bed
praying for his recovery. It is Parris who calls in Hale and other experts so that a cure
may be found for his daughter.
English: Drawing of Martha Corey who was hanged fo...
Reverend Samuel Parris (1653-1720)
Present-day archaeological site of the Salem Villa...Once word got out that there were witch hunters in Salem
all hell broke loose. As three warrants are sent out to arrest the supposed witches the long
blood bath that is to follow is set into motion. During the trials Parris is sure to attack the
character of every defendant leaving no one pure. When Frances Nurse brings a petition
with 91 names on it, a petition to set Rebecca, Goody Proctor, and Martha Corey free
Parris demands that all those on the list be called in for questioning.
pg93
Danforth, glancing at the list: How many names are here?
Frances: Ninety-one, Your Excellency.
Parris, sweating: These people should be summoned. Danforth
looks up at him questioningly. For questioning.
Parris: This is a clear attack upon the court!
Parris also attacks Mary Warren harshly when she changes sides to help John
Proctor clear his wife's name. Once Mary claims...