“The world of Salem is a godless world. There is no hope, just despair.” Discuss. - page 1
Keywords: Salem, English, Good, Evil, America
By Richard on 30/09/2008
Level: GCSE Key Stage 4 (Years 10-11)
Page Number: 1 of 5 pages: 1 2 3 4 5
In the town of Salem there is a strong hierarchy that is controlled by the self-created reverend. Parris is a character that has been produced to be the source of all-evil in the town. He is associated with all the harmful people and groups in the play. If there were any despair in Salem then he would be at the root of it. An example of this is when Proctor complains about the gold candle sticks; “I look to heaven and see my money glaring at his elbows…” Proctor was telling the court how he did not go to church for this reason. This shows that Parris was already disliked in the town, as he was a reverend that wanted gold and riches. Parris, during the first act of ‘The Crucible’ is the most powerful man in the village. This would not be unknown as he was a churchman, but his power obviously got to his head and he did not care if he ruined people’s lives to make his life easier. He feels he only needs to worry about himself and his close family. For when Abigail, his niece, is dancing in the woods he desperately tries and succeeds in blaming it on Tituba, his slave. Even at the end when Proctor is about to be executed the only reason Parris tries to get Proctor to confess is so that the villagers will not rise against him. Parris only cares for himself and his own well being. This is the complete reverse of what a reverend should be like he should be looking to please his parish not himself. When the court arrives in Salem Parris uses them to obtain more power. He also uses the court to defend himself. Every time a defence is made either Parris or Hathorne complain it is an attack upon the court. This is shown when Hale says, “Is every defence an attack upon the court?” which just shows the biasness of the courts. Parris though of course only makes a real fuss when it is his niece in the frame, only then does he again try and use his power to get him out of another negative situation.
Many other people cause despair in Salem. Most of them are connected to the court. Danforth and Hathorne are the main culprits. They both think that whatever they do is the write thing. As
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Last 5 comments…
Thank the lord you wrote this...
4stuchfi (1-Oct-2008)