The Crucible Reputation Quotes

In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, accusations of witchcraft are causing individuals to fear for their lives. The mass hysteria caused by several young girls has broken the trust among the townspeople of Salem. In addition , friendships have been turned asunder. Various characters in The Crucible reinforce themes of lies and reputation during The Salem Witch Trials. The concept that someone will lie to save themselves is emphasized when Abigail Williams, niece of Reverend Parris, blames a servant known as Tituba for forbidden dancing that occurred in the forest. This can be seen on page 42 when Reverend Hale asks Abigail, “Did you call the Devil last night?” Immediately Abigail responds by saying “ I never called him! Tituba, Tituba…” This shows that when Abigail was under duress she blames someone[Tituba] who most people would think would be involved in witchcraft because of her status for what happened in the forest. Abigail also elaborates on that by …show more content…
Reverend Parris displays this when he is speaking to Abigail about what occurred in the forest. Reverend Parris say “ It must come out [truth]-my enemies will bring it out. Let me know what you done there. Abigail, do you understand that I have many enemies?”( Miller 10) This quote shows that Reverend Parris eagerly wants the truth from his niece than have it come from someone against him. This also shows that Parris is more concerned about the truth than his daughter Betty recovering. An additional example is when Parris says “ Abigail, I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff-necked people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character.”( Miller 11) The quote conveys the concept by showing Parris is hungry for the power and respect as a minister and is paranoid at the idea that is his enemies find out what is truly