Selfishness In The Crucible Analysis Essay

In The Crucible, selfish actions cause chaos. Reverend Samuel Parris is a character who exhibits self-seeking behavior throughout The Crucible. He helped to make Salem a corrupt community. On the other hand, a functioning community would have everyone working together to reduce the Salem Witch Trials, yet his town is plagued with chaotic events, as seen by his presence. Reverend Parris is ultimately responsible for the downfall of this community because of his lack of effort and truthfulness.

Many people such as John Proctor thought that Reverend Parris wasn’t doing his part of preaching God in his prayer, John mentions that he had, “Trouble enough without I come five miles to hear him preach only hellfire and bloody damnation”(1.1.254). Parris' outward display of devotion is false, according to Proctor, and he despises his repeated attempts to intimidate the community by creating fear in its members. In fact, Proctor argues that Parris is partly to blame for his low church attendance. Proctor also feels Parris is more interested in obtaining money and possessions than in caring for his people as said here,” Where is my wood? My contract provides I be supplied with all my firewood. I am waiting since November for a stick”(1.1.261). When judge Danforth asks Parris a question about the girls about the first night he states,” I can only say, sir, that I never found any of them naked”(3.3.304). Parris replies in such a way that his image as a decent parent and pastor is preserved because he did see them naked but didn’t want to say there was witchcraft in his household. Towards the end of the book, people started resenting the judges, Parris, and the girls because of how many people they falsely accused of witchcraft. Parris had an incident at night when a knife was thrown at his door and he said,” There is a danger for me. I dare not step outside at night!”(4.4.97). This should have given him the conclusion that they should stop this mass hysteria and let the people live their normal lives and not have to worry about witchcraft.

In The Crucible, Parris makes mistakes that you should not make. An egocentric attitude is a mistake he made that we should attempt to avoid. Parris acquired an arrogant attitude, which caused the whole town to detest him. Another blunder you should strive to avoid is being self-centered. Parris was self-centered when he requested more money and firewood. When you act selfishly, you risk destroying connections and convincing your buddy that he is not good enough for you. The final error you should aim to avoid is becoming a liar. Parris lied about several things, and no one believed what he said as a result. Overall, Parris was a terrible guy in The Crucible, and he should be held accountable for his actions.