IndexWhat does Reverend Parris fear?Fear as a motivation for Reverend ParrisConclusionBibliographyFear is a powerful emotion that can drive people 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 particularly influenced by fear is Reverend Parris, the minister of Salem. Throughout the show, Reverend Parris' actions and decisions are driven by his deeply held 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 play's overall themes. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay What Does Reverend Parris Fear? Reverend Parris is a highly religious man who is deeply afraid that his reputation will be tarnished. He is concerned about his image in the community and the potential consequences that could arise if his actions were called into question. In the first act, when Reverend Parris discovers his niece, Abigail Williams, and several other girls dancing in the forest, he is afraid that their actions will reflect badly 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' actions throughout the play. He constantly tries to protect his reputation and maintain his position of power in the community. In addition to the fear of damaging his reputation, Reverend Parris is also terrified of the supernatural. The play is set during the Salem witch trials, a time when fear of witchcraft was rampant. Reverend Parris' fear of the supernatural becomes 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! A 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 alleged witches. Fear as a Motivation for Reverend Parris Reverend Parris' fears have a significant impact on his behavior and decision making throughout the game. His fear of a damaged reputation leads him to act selfishly, 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 are involved in witchcraft, even though there is little evidence to support his claims. Furthermore, Reverend Parris' 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 death, Tituba!" (Miller 44). His fear-driven paranoia not only harms innocent individuals like Tituba, but also contributes to the general hysteria and chaos in Salem. Ultimately, Reverend Parris' fears and the resulting actions driven by those fears contribute to the tragic events that unfold in "The Crucible." His fear of one, 2003.