In act one, the corrupt, self-serving Reverend Samuel Parris is first introduced. In this scene, Parris' daughter Betty is ill and even the doctor cannot determine what is ailing the girl. Strangely enough, instead of worrying about the fate of his daughter, Reverend Parris seems more concerned about the rumors flying accusing Betty of dealing with the d

In Act 3, both characters appear together in the courtroom scene, where it becomes very obvious how different they truly have become. Three men enter the courtroom with depositions, in response to these men, Hale says to the presiding judge, "Excellency, he claims hard evidence for his wife's defense. I think that in all justice you must-" (Miller 90). Hale is then cut off; no one is willing to hear the truth. Parris on the other hand says, "Excellency, you surely cannot think to let so vile a lie be spread in open court!" (Miller 93). These men obviously hold differing opinions as to the validity of the proceedings. Hale has weighed the evidence realizing how bogus the accusations are, while Parris is afraid to even consider the possibility that the girls may be. Betty Parris, one of the girls contributing to the spectral evidence is his daughter, and Abigail Williams, the ringleader of the group, is his niece. Because of this, Parris sees his reputation and quite possibly his position as minister at stake and is too prideful to place these selfish concerns aside to save the lives of those in his congregation. Nevertheless, Hale is willing to admit his faults, and doubts the justification of his own actions when he says, "I have this morning signed away the soul of Rebecca Nurse, Your Honor. I'll not conceal it, my hand shakes yet as with a wound! I pray you, sir, this argument let lawyers present to you" (Miller 104). Although Hale carries heavy weight in the court, his arguments are brushed aside, and finally the guilt Hale feels leads him quit the bogus proceedings. By Hale's actions in this act, it is obvious that Hale has once again found God, and realized where the Devil truly is in Salem--not in those being accused of witchcraft, but rather the wicked accusers, and those whom conformed to the beliefs and false accusations of these girls. Parris had fit the mold of a follower of the bogus accusations, and by the end of Act 3, any trace of similarity found between Parris and Hale has now become non-existent.

In Act 4, the actions Parris took to preserve his position and standing in the town, are now leading to his downfall whereas Hale becomes the true voice of the people. The last act is set in the jail where many are awaiting hanging. Hale appears to counsel these people hoping to convince just one to save themselves. Hale meets with Rebecca Nurse, and other women who would not speak a single word to Samuel Parris. It becomes even more obvious that Parris hasn't changed, especially when he says, "I tell you what is said here, sir. Andover have thrown out the court, they say, and will have no part of witchcraft. There be a faction here, feeding on tha

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Approximate Word count = 1822
Approximate Pages = 7 (250 words per page double spaced)