In the first Act of “The Crucible,” it is seen that Reverend Parris is the authoritative person with all the power. He is very strict and easily influenced. When Parris doesn’t agree with others he will purposely turn against them. In the following quote we hear him proclaim that he is not to be questioned or turned against as he is in power, “I want a mark of confidence, is all! I am your third preacher in seven years. I do not wish to be put out like the cat whenever some majority feels the whim. You people seem not to comprehend that a minister is the Lord’s man in the parish; a minister is not to be so lightly crossed and contradicted---“ (Miller 30). Also, when Parris is speaking to Proctor about obedience in the church and authority he reminds Proctor who is in charge. He states, “It is not for you to say what is good for you to hear!” (Miller 30) It is here Parris tells Proctor that it is not up to him to decide what Parris needs to know because he is the authority of God.
Near the end of Act 1 the reader sees the shifting of power. This occurs because the town is questioning its faith. They do not trust Parris because Proctor is trying to rally the people against him. This questions his authority and they start to turn to witchcraft. Their society, which had been dictated by power and practicality, is now becoming insane and controlled by the girls. Abigail now becomes the one with power. She threatens the girls with the possibility of death should they tell anyone the truth about what happened in which they were practicing witchcraft as she states, “ And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you” (Miller 20). Thus, their society, which was once ruled by faith and order, is now in the hands of an insane and dangerous girl.
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