What does Reverend Parris want Danforth to do? In Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” the relationship between Reverend Parris and Judge Danforth is complex and fraught with ulterior motives. As the witch trials unfold in Salem, Parris seeks to maintain his power and authority within the community, and he manipulates Danforth to achieve his goals.
Reverend Parris, the village’s Puritan minister, is a man of ambition and cunning. He is concerned with his reputation and the well-being of his family, particularly his daughter Abigail Williams. As the witch trials begin, Parris is desperate to uncover any evidence that could implicate his enemies or rivals. He sees Judge Danforth, the visiting magistrate from Boston, as a potential ally in his quest for power.
What does Reverend Parris want Danforth to do? Parris desires several things from Danforth. Firstly, he wants Danforth to ensure that the witch trials proceed without any hindrance. Parris is aware that the more accusations and confessions that arise, the greater his influence will become within the community. Therefore, he seeks to keep the momentum of the trials going and to ensure that the accused are punished severely.
Secondly, Parris wants Danforth to target specific individuals who he believes are threats to his power. These individuals include his rival, Thomas Putnam, and his own niece, Ann Putnam, who is using the trials to further her own interests. By having these enemies implicated in witchcraft, Parris aims to diminish their influence and bolster his own position.
Moreover, Parris wants Danforth to maintain the appearance of fairness and justice in the trials. Although Parris is willing to manipulate and exploit the process for his own gain, he understands that public perception is crucial. He needs the community to believe that the trials are being conducted with integrity, even as he secretly orchestrates events behind the scenes.
However, as the story progresses, it becomes apparent that Danforth is not as willing to be swayed by Parris’s desires. Danforth is a man of principle, and he struggles with the moral implications of the witch trials. He is torn between his duty to uphold the law and his growing realization that many of the accusations are false and driven by hysteria.
In conclusion, what does Reverend Parris want Danforth to do? Parris seeks to use Danforth’s position to further his own agenda, ensuring that the witch trials continue and that his enemies are exposed and punished. However, Danforth’s moral compass ultimately prevails, leading to a dramatic confrontation between the two men and a climax that challenges the very foundation of Salem’s society.
