Explanation:
In Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” Reverend Parris is a complex character with several concerns that he expresses throughout the play. However, upon close analysis and examination of his character, it becomes clear that his biggest concern is his reputation. Reputation is a recurrent theme in “The Crucible,” and Parris is a character who obsessively worries about how he is perceived by the members of his congregation, his fellow clergymen, and the wider Salem community. This concern is evident from the very opening scene of the play, where Parris is seen praying for his daughter Betty’s recovery while fretting about the possibility of his enemies using her illness to discredit him.