Authoritative Struggles in Salem

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“Nothing strengthens authority as much as silence” (Leonardo Da-Vince). In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, there were several problems that led to the downfall and corruption in the town of Salem. The biggest problem was with Reverend Paris and how much he struggled with his authority in the town as a man of god. The reader must understand that although Reverend Paris is supposed to be a man of god he abuses his power to control the church, protect his reputation, and focus too much on material possessions. A vital force in the corruption of the people of Salem is how Reverend Paris abuses his power to control the church. Reverend Paris uses his power to control the church by instilling fear in the congregation. First, Reverend Paris shows his lust for control by stating “There is either obedience or the church will burn like Hell is burning” (Miller, 1274). What that means is that either everyone will obey anything and everything he says or they will all burn in hell. This shows how he puts fear into the people of the church. Furthermore, Reverend Paris shows his need to be i...

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