Salem Witch Trials In The Crucible

It's rather disappointing to see that despite all the hysteria that ensues the world which should bring the goodness in people, some individuals are still concerned only for themselves. In The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, readers can see several instances of this phenomena. The play describes a somewhat dramatized depiction of the Salem Witchcraft Trials of 1692. Many inhabitants in the town of Salem were falsely accused of witchcraft by individuals who were seeking their own selfish desires. This includes people who wanted to take their neighbor's land, needed a scapegoat for all the troubles they had been facing, or were generally jealous of someone else. Readers should be able to recognize that others were involved with the trials …show more content…
Throughout the play, Parris is often concerned about what others may do to him if they ever find anything negative about him. One example of this is when he talks to Abigail about the things he saw her and the other girls did when he spotted them in the woods. When he brings up the consequences, he says, "It must come out- my enemies will bring it out. Let me know what you done there Abigail, do you understand that I have many enemies. / I have not heard of it, uncle. / There is a faction that is sworn to drive me from my pulpit. Do you understand that?"(Miller I). Readers can clearly see Parris' mindset here-- his focus is not for the safety of his daughter Betty, who happened to be in the situation and is now comatose, but that of his reputation. All he can think about right now is his enemies and the damage they could do his reputation if they were to figure out his ties to the event. As a result of that, readers understand that his motives are to get out of that situation somehow see he isn't seen in any negative manner. This is proven to be true based on what he does next. When the blame for witchcraft somehow falls to Tituba, Parris' servant, he doesn't waste any time on pushing all the blame to her. He tells her, " You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba" (I). Parris is obviously taking a stand against Tituba for his self-gain. He's taking a stand against her because it will make him seem like he's taking a stand against all evil in general. If he does this, then the faction against him wouldn't be able to attack his reputation on the grounds of association to witchcraft. As a result of that, he will be able to keep the popular support of the Church. Parris' actions were motivated by his desire for a favorable view by others based on the fact that he reacted to the situation