Reverend Parris in the Salem Witch Trails

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As minister of the town he was well respected and had the responsibility of instructing the “word of god” and guiding people on the right path. However, he doesn’t do this when he lets Abigail get away with dancing in the forest, which was permitted in the puritan society. He should have took on the teacher role he was given and teach Abigail discipline by making her face the consequence of doing what is not permitted. When navigating some pretty challenging waters, teenagers have a tendency of lying as a way to get attention, to make themselves seem more powerful or attractive to others, or to get sympathy or support. This was especially true for Abigail, who was already going through the stress of having no parental support. Due to her mother and fathers death, Reverend Parris (her uncle) had to take on the role of her father. However, whether or not he was successful in that role was debatable. As both minister and father to Abigail he was expected to take on both roles and teach Abigail right from wrong. Instead, however, he fail in both roles when he left out the fact that his niece had been caught dancing and conjuring spells in the forest, desperate to protect his reputation. One white lie of Abigail’s led to another until that lying eroded into a devastating effect. Had Parris corrected Abigail and taught her the lesson of lying and doing wrong in the first place, Abigail would not have continued telling worse lies that led to the mass hysteria in the community. Not only did he not take accountability, but he was also a minister for the wrong reasons. According to proctor, Parris was the first minister to demand the deed of the house. He gave weak justifications, but never denies any of the accusations make against him.... ... middle of paper ... ...omes and falls for Abigail and the children pretense. When Abigail Williams accuses Tituba of witchcraft, noticing that people are starting to realize her lies, Tituba is whipped without any time for explanation. Both Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale forced Tituba to confess of witchcraft. Parris said,” You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba…” (1233) and during the interrogation process he said, “ pressing in on her: Who? Who? Their names, their names” (1234). Although Reverend Hale is an interrogator as well, he does not use physical threats against Tituba; he continues to ask her questions and tried to coerce her to accept guilt. It’s not until Parris threatens Tituba that she “confesses,” making Parris responsible for not only forcing the mind of a weak-willed and powerless woman, but also for the Salem Witch Trials.

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