In The Crucible it is the effects of religious zeal, fear of heresy, intolerance and superstition that made the people of Salem willing to accept supernatural reasons for their problems. There is so much insecurity in the young colony that anyone who questions the authorities, either religious or state, is seen to be launching an attack on the whole foundation of society. Characters like Parris and Putnam used the situation in Salem to gain authority and power.

Together with Thomas Putnam Reverend Samuel Parris uses the witch hunts as a chance of gaining power and authority in Salem. At the beginning of Act One (an Overture) he is described as a miserable, harsh man who thinks that everyone should be as serious as he is. This extends even to young children, whom Parris does not understand at all. Furthermore it is indicated that he is an insecure for he interprets rather insignificant incidents, for instance someone leaving a meeting before waiting for his permission, as insults against himself. When at the beginning of the play his daughter, Betty, lies sick in bed, Parris is less worried about her condition than about what t

"You cannot command Mr. Parris." [p.47, ll. 1-2]

Proctor: "Why, then I must find it and join it."

Another example of his power over life and death is on page 124 in line 10 to 20. He decides that John Proctor's wife is to be kept alive to see whether she is really pregnant. He is the hangman and could have her killed at once. Deputy Governor Danforth is, of course, not popular with the town people. Giles even accuses him that "He's only playin' you! He means to hang us all!" on page 132, in line 7. This shows the fear the town people have of Danforth power.

It is striking in this scene that it is mostly Hale who is talking and what effect this has on Abigail who behaves until now rather cautions around authority.

Proctor never fears to stand up to Parris, question "authority" and speak his mind, something that he has no right to do from Parris' point of view. Parris' argument with Proctor also indicates Parris' continual battle to obtain authority within Salem. Parris loudly demands here:

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Approximate Word count = 2364
Approximate Pages = 9 (250 words per page double spaced)