How Did Reverend Parris Change In The Crucible

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Recommended: Character analysis of reverend parris in the crucible

Throughout the entirety of the play, Reverend Parris was a perplexed man. As the play moved along, he grew more introverted and we see his paranoia grow larger. He was also blaming every other person for every little mishap in Salem for his own benefit. Reverend Parris was a man of many different traits and as the play moves along these ever changing qualities are easily seen. From Act 1 to Act 4 in The Crucible, Reverend Parris, a timid pastor, transforms from a confused man trying to conceal his identity to the towns “gossiper)” to have his name remain unimpeachable. For instance, at the beginning of the play he was blaming Abigail for Betty being “asleep” and not waking up (Miller 1129). This was because he wanted to keep his own name in tact and not be torn apart by rumors or false accusations dealing with witchcraft. Especially because his niece was Abigail and his daughter was Betty (Miller 1129-1161). This showed me that this was the biggest change perhaps in his character. Reverend Parris was not liked in Salem from certain people because of this quality. “Out of my sight! She is gone. Out of my—Oh, my God! God help me! Betty. Child. Dear child. Will you wake, will you open up your eyes! Betty, little one . . .” (Miller …show more content…

But in the beginning, his selfishness and impoverished attitude towards the trials and the people were very different from how his attitude was in Act 4. The hysteria was growing and we see Reverend Parris as a different human being. “These people should be summoned. For questioning.” (Miller 1194). Here he acts concerned for the judges so he could feel better about himself. This is a big contrast between the Reverend Parris we knew in Act 1. He has now changed into a man of afflicting attitudes and trying to turn innocent people in. “The Devil lives on such confidences! Without confidences there could be no conspiracy, Your Honor!” (Miller 1196) Parris’ character is now a totally different

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