Blind Belief In Authority In Arthur Miller's The Crucible

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“Blind belief in authority is the greatest enemy of truth” - Albert Einstein. Throughout the course of human history, authority has played a prominent role in our lives. Einstein’s quote about “blind belief in authority” explains the situation fittingly in “The Crucible”. Not only have the people of Salem senselessly believed in teenager’s accusations, but they have also supported the actions of the High Court, along with Judge Danforth and Reverend Parris, which has led to numerous innocent deaths. In Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible”, Reverend Hale, Reverend Parris, and Judge Danforth have differing views on how authority should be derived and applied. Reverend Hale, a witch hunter brought to Salem, differs greatly from the way he exhibits …show more content…

The host, in this case, is represented by the Witch Trials and the accused. In the quote, “Surely Your Excellency is not taken by this simple lie.” (1307), Parris is responding to what Mary Warren said about not actually seeing spirits. This is an ironic statement by Parris, as he is trying to convince Danforth that Mary Warren is the one lying; when in reality, Parris and the girls are the ones lying. Parris is using his authority (or rather, trying) for purely selfish intentions. He knowingly supported sending innocent members of the Salem community to their deaths. Parris tends to use his authority when he is scared or worried about himself. Parris’ cowardice is plainly seen when he says, “Tonight, when I open my door to leave my house--a dagger clattered to the ground. You cannot hang this sort. There is danger for me. I dare not step outside at night!” (1324). Reverend Parris, the minister of Salem, is begging Danforth to not hang Proctor, Martha, and Rebecca. Unfortunately for Parris, his actions are futile. Parris differs from Danforth in that he does not use his authority in the name of God, but rather, he uses it only to protect his reputation. Out of Hale and Danforth, Parris is the least confident and the most worrisome about his reputation. Overall, he really epitomizes an

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