Friday, August 15, 2014

Why is Parris so hesitant to call the girls' actions witchcraft and so determined to block Proctor's attempt to prove the trials a fraud?

Parris is not interested in the truth. He was part of the start of the witch trials, along with Abigail. He called Reverend Hale to come and diagnose Betty's illness. Parris hates John Proctor. His individual choice to not attend church goes against the Puritan belief system. As a Puritan, Proctor should be in church no matter how he feels about the Pastor. This really bothers Parris.

Parris is concerned with his career, his financial status, and nothing else. He doesn't understand what his daughter and Abigail have done in the forest. His own servant, Tituba is at the center of the problem.

Parris is in no way willing to help Proctor, even though innocent people's lives are at stake. He rather enjoys Proctor getting put in his place. He does nothing to stop the execution of Proctor, Nurse or Corey, innocent, upstanding citizens of Salem. He is a coward.

As God's minister on earth, he should be willing to do anything to save good Christian people from a wrongful death.

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