Monday, December 15, 2014

In "The Crucible" how does Parris exhibit self-centeredness when he relates Abigail's disappearance to Hathorne and Danforth?

Parris has a couple selfish concerns about Abby's disappearance.  The first is money.  Abby broke into his strongbox and stole 31 pounds.  Parris' reaction to this: "I am penniless," and then Miller adds in the stage directions:  "He covers his face and sobs."  Parris doesn't weep when any one of his beloved congregation were supposedly in cahoots with Satah himself, or when people are hanged, or when his niece runs away.  But he sure weeps when his money is pilfered.  The second demonstration of selfishness is that he is worried that the people of Salem will rebel against him, and call him out for his role in the accusations. He fears Abby knew there was a rebellion is afoot, which is why she left.  And never mind that people would be saved from hanging if there were a rebellion, Parris fears that "there is danger for me.  I dare not step outside at night!"  So, his precious money and safety are threatened when Abby bails, and Parris comes whining to the judges, trying to find any way to protect himself.

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