How Fear Motivates The Characters in Arthur

Fear is a powerful emotion that can drive individuals to act in unexpected ways. This is evident in Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible," where fear plays a central role in motivating the characters. One character who is particularly influenced by fear is Reverend Parris, the minister of Salem. Throughout the play, Reverend Parris's actions and decisions are driven by his deep-rooted fears. By examining what Reverend Parris fears and how this fear motivates his behavior, we can gain a deeper understanding of the character and the overall themes of the play.

What Does Reverend Parris Fear?

Reverend Parris is a highly religious man who is deeply afraid of his reputation being tarnished. He is concerned about his image in the community and the potential consequences that may arise if his actions are questioned. In Act I, when Reverend Parris discovers his niece, Abigail Williams, and several other girls dancing in the forest, he becomes fearful that their actions will reflect poorly on him. He exclaims, "My enemies will...ruin me with it" (Miller 9). This fear of being ruined is a driving force behind Reverend Parris's actions throughout the play. He constantly seeks to protect his reputation and maintain his position of power in the community.

In addition to his fear of a damaged reputation, Reverend Parris is also terrified of the supernatural. The play is set during the Salem witch trials, a time when the fear of witchcraft ran rampant. Reverend Parris's fear of the supernatural is evident when his daughter, Betty, falls into a mysterious illness. He immediately jumps to the conclusion that witchcraft is to blame, expressing his fear by saying, "Abomination! Some secret blasphemy that stinks to Heaven...I saw a dress lying on the grass!" (Miller 14). This fear of the supernatural leads Reverend Parris to believe that witchcraft is present in Salem and fuels his desire to find and punish the supposed witches.

Fear as a Motivator for Reverend Parris

Reverend Parris's fears have a significant impact on his behavior and decision-making throughout the play. His fear of a damaged reputation leads him to act in a self-serving manner, prioritizing his own interests over the well-being of others. This is evident when he refuses to acknowledge the possibility that the girls' actions in the forest may have been innocent. Instead, he insists on a witchcraft explanation, as it aligns with his fear of being ruined. His fear drives him to push for the arrest and punishment of those he believes to be involved in witchcraft, even if there is little evidence to support his claims.

Furthermore, Reverend Parris's fear of the supernatural leads him to become increasingly paranoid. He becomes suspicious of everyone around him, fearing that they may be involved in witchcraft. This paranoia is evident when he questions his slave, Tituba, about her involvement in witchcraft. He says, "You will confess yourself or I will take you out and whip you to your death, Tituba!" (Miller 44). His fear-driven paranoia not only harms innocent individuals like Tituba but also contributes to the overall hysteria and chaos in Salem.

Ultimately, Reverend Parris's fears and the resulting actions driven by those fears contribute to the tragic events that unfold in "The Crucible." His fear of a damaged reputation and the supernatural fuels the witch hunt in Salem, leading to the unjust persecution of countless innocent individuals.

Conclusion

The character of Reverend Parris in Arthur Miller's play, "The Crucible," is heavily motivated by fear. His fear of a damaged reputation and the supernatural drives his actions and decisions throughout the play. Reverend Parris's fears lead him to prioritize his own interests over the well-being of others, resulting in the unjust persecution of innocent individuals. By exploring the motivations behind Reverend Parris's behavior, we gain a deeper understanding of the play's themes and the destructive power of fear. This serves as a reminder of the importance of examining our own fears and the potential consequences they may have on ourselves and others.

Bibliography

Miller, Arthur. "The Crucible." Penguin, 2003.