In the play, Putnam works to persuade Reverend Parris to publicly declare the girls’ sicknesses due to witchcraft, which is blamed for the loss of his seven infant children. Putnam instructs Parris to look for witchcraft in Salem after Mrs. Putnam’s death, and declaring witchcraft becomes popular. In Act III, the court questions and accuses Martha, and Putnam coerces Parris to declare witchcraft.
Parris is worried about the potential witch-hunt causing further disputes, and Putnam demands that Parris have Hale search for signs of witchcraft. Proctor reminds Putnam that he wants to kill the witches and save the children, but Parris is resistant to the idea. Reverend Parris begs others not to “leap to witchcraft”.
Parris is the minister and Betty is also ill, and Putnam tries to coerce Parris to declare witchcraft. She was one of the first kids to accuse her neighbors of being witches, and she encouraged Betty to accuse others of witchcraft. Ruth Putnam Ruth is a character in the play who is portrayed as a woman who is influenced by Puritan beliefs and societal fears during the Salem witch trials.
In summary, Putnam’s efforts to coerce Reverend Parris to declare witchcraft are influenced by Puritan beliefs and societal fears during the Salem witch trials.
Who suggests that Parris deny the rumor of witchcraft?
Abigail informs Parris about rumors of witchcraft causing Betty’s fainting, leading to a crowd gathered in his house. Abigail suggests that Parris publicly deny the rumors, as they suggest a uniform social order and hysteria. Parris is angrily asked if he should reveal that his daughter and niece were dancing like heathens in the forest, but Abigail admits they did. Parris fears that his “enemies” will find out and ruin him, and he believes witchcraft is a threat to his job and reputation.
He believes controlling the rumors is the best way to do so. Parris claims to have seen Tituba chanting over a cauldron, but Abigail denies this. Parris also believes he saw a naked body running away in the forest, but Abigail assures him no one was naked.
Who tried to persuade Parris that he should declare the presence of witchcraft?
Parris is encouraged by the Portuguese to acknowledge his involvement in witchcraft. However, he is hesitant due to the potential for a collective action by the townspeople to remove him from Salem. The possibility of a witchcraft scandal involving his family could provide them with the necessary grounds to do so.
Why does Parris accuse people of witchcraft?
Individuals who did not regularly attend church were initially suspected of engaging in witchcraft. Parris, despite not attributing responsibility to himself or his preaching methods, instead ascribes blame to the people and the Devil.
Who does Putnam accuse of witchcraft?
Rebecca Nurse, Ann Putnam, and her husband Thomas accused her of witchcraft, motivated by envy and a belief that her healthy children could be attributed to witchcraft. This accusation ultimately resulted in Rebecca’s execution.
Why do the Putnams start talking about witchcraft?
Mrs. Putnam’s conviction that witches exist in Salem is attributed to two factors: her own life’s misfortune and the demise of eight of her nine children. This belief reflects the historical perception that women’s social status was contingent upon the number of children they had.
Why does Putnam want Parris to declare witchcraft?
Putnam pressures Parris to acknowledge the existence of witchcraft in Salem in order to safeguard his reputation and maintain the confidence of the wider community. He believes that by doing so, he will be regarded as the natural leader of Salem and that the alleged witches will look to him for guidance.
What do the Putnams tell Parris to do?
Thomas Putnam counsels Parris to make accusations of witchcraft himself in order to forestall any accusations that might be made against him. Mercy Lewis arrives to ascertain the well-being of Betty, and the Putnams and Parris take their leave.
Why did Putnam not like Parris?
Despite his opposition to Parris, Putnam offers him support when Parris suggests contacting Reverend Hale. He held a negative opinion of Parris due to the latter’s success in the Salem minister election, which resulted in Putnam’s brother-in-law being defeated. Additionally, Putnam’s affluence and avarice contributed to his disapproval of Parris.
How does Putnam coerce Parris into declaring witchcraft?
Putnam pressures Parris to acknowledge the existence of witchcraft in Salem in order to safeguard his reputation and maintain the confidence of the wider community. He believes that by doing so, he will be regarded as the natural leader of Salem and that the alleged witches will look to him for guidance.
What advice does Putnam give to Parris?
Putnam counsels Parris to make a public proclamation regarding his discovery of witchcraft within his household.
What is the conflict between Putnam and Parris?
Parris is the subject of considerable disapproval among the residents of the town, largely due to the perceived lack of success of his brother-in-law in becoming the minister of Salem.
Add comment