It is evident even at the beginning of that authority rests upon
fear. Mr. Parris preaches "hellfire and bloody damnation" to reinforce his brittle
authority with a dwindling congregation. This harshness and exploitation of the fears of church
members is itself the product of Parris's fear.
As the hysteria spreads, new
characters become figures of authority, based on the universal fear of being accused in a court
where it is impossible to prove one's innocence. Mary Warren, a poor, terrified servant girl in
act 1, becomes a figure of authority in act 2 based on her position with the court.
However, Danforth, the most senior judge, is himself motivated by fear, since he admits
that he is sending people to their deaths principally through fear of public opinion:
Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon
must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now.
Rebecca Nurse and Martha Corey would not be understood as resisting the authority of a
normal...
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