Reverend Parris's Reaction to Reverend Hale in Salem

In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Reverend Samuel Parris's initial reaction to Reverend John Hale, a renowned witchcraft expert called to Salem, undergoes several changes as the story progresses. Parris's reactions to Reverend Hale can be summarized as follows:

1. Initial Welcome and Relief: When Reverend Hale first arrives in Salem, Parris welcomes him as an expert who can help resolve the witchcraft hysteria that has gripped the town. Parris is relieved that someone with Hale's knowledge has come to investigate the claims of witchcraft, as he hopes this will restore order and protect his reputation.

2. Cooperation: Initially, Parris cooperates with Reverend Hale by providing information about the girls' behavior and the accusations of witchcraft. He assists Hale in his investigations, hoping that Hale will validate the claims and end the crisis quickly.

3. Growing Tension: As Hale's investigations progress and he starts to question the credibility of the accusations, tensions rise between Parris and Hale. Parris becomes increasingly agitated and defensive, fearing that Hale's skepticism may undermine the witch trials and his own authority.

4. Conflict: Parris and Hale clash over the handling of the witch trials. Hale becomes more and more concerned about the fairness and justice of the proceedings, while Parris is primarily focused on maintaining his position and the appearance of order in Salem.

5. Fear of Backlash: Parris becomes fearful of a backlash from the townspeople, who are growing suspicious of the witch trials and the motivations behind them. He worries that if Hale continues to question the validity of the accusations, it could lead to a loss of control and authority.

6. Parris's Evolving Role: Over time, Parris shifts from being welcoming and cooperative with Hale to becoming a more divisive figure in the Salem community. He is more inclined to support the extremist views of figures like Deputy Governor Danforth to protect his own interests.

Reverend Parris's reaction to Reverend Hale reflects his changing priorities and the shift in his character from someone initially seeking a resolution to the witchcraft crisis to a more self-serving and authoritarian figure who is willing to support the trials, even when it becomes clear that they are unjust. Parris's character is emblematic of the moral and ethical compromises made during the Salem witch trials for personal gain and self-preservation.