John Proctor And Reverend Parris In Arthur Miller's The Crucible

Rough Draft

Throughout history, religion has shaped civilization. It has written and rewritten borders and caused wars. Personal belief and the consequences it brings are applicable to most conflicts, including those of the Salem witch trials. In Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” religion and the church play an important role in the development of both John Proctor and Reverend Parris; Parris serves as a foal for Proctor throughout the play by contrasting his religious views, morals, and integrity, ultimately revealing Proctor’s good heart despite his mistakes. Religious beliefs are extremely influential to characters development. Parris’s beliefs contradict and create tension between him and Proctor, effectively outlining and accenting their

Parris consistently claims that he is a moral and just person. However, as outlined by Giles Corey, he truly just wants power.“But Parris came and he preach nothing but golden candlesticks until he had him” (Miller 62). Parris is so material, that he will not allow the candlesticks made by Nurse with love and care to reside in the church as they were not “fine” enough. Parris’s insistence on placing gold candlesticks demonstrates his focus on earthy wants and materialistic mind. He is a hypocrite as he preaches what he does not do and he desires attention from his profession. He thinks that there should be a hierarchy in the church to protect his position and power.His materialistic view becomes apparent when he tries to get the deed to house something never done before. Giles Corey narrates “to ask ownership is like you shall own the meeting house itself; the last meeting I were at you spoke so long on deeds and mortgages I thought it were an auction" (Miller 28). Parris wants a physical manifestation of his power and sway. He would like to own land and a building since that increased his social influence. His greed is seemingly apparent to Giles and Proctor. He continues to argue this, and forcefully demonstrates his difference from Proctor. He states “I want a mark of confidence is all! I

He places his reputation above all else, contrasting Proctor, who only maintains his reputation to protect his family and friends reputation. Parris, in the very beginning of the play, demonstrates his concern I have fought here three long years to bend stiff-necked people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising…” (Miller 11). Even when there is possible witchcraft is occuring, he could care less. He is only concerned with his reputation. This reveals his view on morals, choosing the easier wrong over the harder right. John Proctor however, chooses a harder wrong over an easier right. He demonstrates this through… John Proctor argues that the court is hypocritical and focuses mostly on protecting their reputation. “Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers? (Miller 73).” By listening to Abigail, they set themselves upon a path that, in order to reverse its effects, would require them to nearly destroy the legitimacy of the courts and of their ability to be good judges. Parris is also like this. He stood their condemning anyone but himself. This is in direct contrast to Proctor who... They believe that... “Let you strike out against the Devil, and the village will bless you for it! Come down, speak to them—pray with them (Miller ----). “Sign upon Paper” (Miller 131) Paraphrase this!!!! Talk about how he is forcing him to do one