In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale represent order and providence, but neither holds exaltation worthy of sainthood. A reader partial to authority may revere either character, for each is faithful in his respective duties; however, Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale’s contentious positions might effectively contribute to the abhorrence by some to religious zealots. Ultimately, in an attempt to rid their world of maleficence, Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale’s convictions contribute to the demise of several innocent people regarded as heathens.
Reverend Parris represents everything bad about being “good”. Parris, a reverend—one who normally would inspire awe and admiration—contrarily appears to be capable of many iniquities. Parris, in the course of the witch-hunt trials, reflects characteristics such as snobbery, paranoia, repression, fury, resentment, vindication, and arrogance. Reverend Parris’s transgressions are malicious; to the point of condemning them to their death, he zealously attempts to rebut the righteousness of exemplary Christians. Furthermore, Parris attributes wicked children’s vindictive behavior to witchcraft in order to retaliate against his adversaries and clear himself of suspicion and guilt. In a trial of unsubstantiated claims, he antagonistically pursues parishioners who has either not avowed allegiance to Parris, or who represents a schism from his ministry. In the credence of adhering to a dogma that persecuted those perceived as errant, he is an accomplice to witch-hunters whose actions result in the hanging of innocent people. While diligently attacking those who refused to surrender themselves to the cruel mores of a society intent on persecuting the damned, Reverend Parris masquerades as a virtuous clergyman.
In contrast, Reverend Hale sublimely strives to adhere to a doctrine of amelioration. Initially, Reverend Hale genuinely embodies the spirited therapist, who upon encountering a formidable disease or condition, proceeds without trepidation to seek a cure for his patient. Hale ascribes the practice of witchcraft as being diabolical, and earnestly acts to remove spectral demons from those suspected of being bewitched. Consistently and without malice, Hale treats people he perceives to be victims of witchcraft. Initially, Hale’s behavior appears to be purely religious in intent. Dutiful and reserved, Hale generously attempts to remove the effects of sorcery. Hale had little prior knowledge of those involved. Instead of acquiescing to those in power, during the course of the trial’s proceedings, Hale uses his own judgment, and attempts to protect people he believes. Hale’s compassion becomes evident as the hearings descend into an abysmal calamity. Despite a summons by the theocratic and desperate Reverend Parris to disprove any involvement with witchcraft, Hale, as an intellectual outsider from Beverly
Until his arrival at John Proctor’s house in Act Two, Hale exudes confidence, courage and control. Upon arriving there, he is different. Now there is a quality of deference and guilt in his manner. While interviewing John and Elizabeth Proctor in reference to the “Christian character of… [their] house” (61), Hale graciously counsels them and inadvertently alerts them to the intensity of the investigations. Hale’s reservations and intent to defend the innocent becomes apparent during this encounter. Hale’s incredulousness in the legitimacy of the witch-hunt emerges as he is visiting Proctor’s house, learns of the warrant for Elizabeth Proctor’s arrest, and witnesses the tyranny unfolding. Despite an inability to protect Elizabeth Proctor from the victimization, Hale continues to attempt a defense of those he perceives as being just people.
During Act Three, in the court proceedings, Hale performs as an official while supporting those he believes to be morally upright. Ironically, in an earlier encounter at Reverend Parris’s house, Hale had implanted the idea of seeing “some bird invisible to others” (39) in the mind of Abigail. Interestingly, in court, he spoke up to say, “I see nothing, Your Honor” (109) when Abigail expresses her aberrations of seeing the bird. In frustration with the raveling events, Hale expresses discontent with the heresy and hypocrisy of the trials, and denounces them.
In Act Four, Hale enters the Salem jail cell sorrowful, exhausted and more direct than he had ever been. Hale appears to have lost confidence in his faith after returning from his three-month sabbatical into the wilderness, and tells Elizabeth Proctor, “…cleave to no faith when faith brings blood” (122). Hale even uses sarcasm saying, “I come to do the Devil’s work” (121). Hale becomes self-sacrificial in his attempt to convince Proctor to lie in order to save himself. Previously, in speaking to Elizabeth Proctor, he said, “…for damnation’s doubled on a minister who counsels men to lie” (122). The guilt of blood on his hands has “turned the eye of… [his] great faith” (122). In a spiraling climatic act of desperation, Hale professes a weakness in his convictions and pleads to Elizabeth Proctor, “Let you not mistake your duty as I mistook my own” (122).
Contrary to the dynamic character changes that Reverend Hale displays, Reverend Parris remains malefic throughout the drama. During the trials, Parris constantly stirs discontent, and condemns the accused. Exceptionally though, during the barrage of questioning, Parris offers to Mary Warren, “We’ll save you, Mary…” (109).
After his success in the prosecutions, Parris is unrelenting. In a weakened state secondary to fear arising from a threatened riot, and possibly suffering contrition, Parris’s theme remains one of self-serving interests. Parris is distraught at the loss of his wealth and the vanishment of his niece. He struggles to have the sanctity of the court’s ruling justified by encouraging Proctor to save himself, and in doing so, save the face of the ruling authorities.
Ironically, reverence is due to neither reverend. Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale failed to revere what John Proctor symbolized. Both reverends, for differing reasons, vainly tried to persuade him to sin. Neither reverend seemed to comprehend or appreciate John Proctor’s reasoning, nor his determination to honor those truly worthy of respect and admiration. Had Proctor acquiesced to Reverend Parris and Reverend Hale’s demands, he could have lived, but his spirit would not have truly survived. As noble as they may try to be, Parris and Hale fail to cleave to their own faith. In retrospection, seen is an allegory wholly representative of theocratic oppression. Although Reverends Parris and Hale exude piousness, their motivations ultimately contribute to conjuring up a spell of parochial hypocrisy.
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