In the Beginning of Act 1, Reverend Parris is the man who obtains the power to control the people as well as the power in the Church. Like many towns in colonial New England, Salem is centered around religion, therefore, it makes sense that he is the one with the most authority. In one scene, Reverend Parris is talking to Rebecca, Giles, the Putnams, and John Proctor about the recent occurrences in the town. John Proctor begins to criticize Parris's way of running the church, and he takes great offense, defending himself fiercely, saying “…You people seem not to comprehend that a minister is the Lord’s man in the parish; a minister is not to be so lightly crossed and contradicted.” Putnam responds in support of Parris with an enthusiastic “Aye! (Miller, 30)” Even though Parris is conceited and slightly nasty, the majority of townspeople are intimidated by him (and his connection with God), and as a result, support and defend him. This quote demonstrates the power Parris holds in the beginning of Act 1.
By the end of Act 1, the power has shifted from Reverend Parris to a completely new group of people. With everyone questioning the cause of Betty’s strange sickness, Abigail is accused of witchcraft. In a defensive panic, she throws the blame on Tituba and denounces other women of associating with the Devil, saying, “I saw Goody Osborn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil! I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil! Parris, Putnam, and Hale all respond in great relief, with Hale yelling things like “Glory to God, it is broken free!” and “I’ll call the Marshall!” These quotes show how the townspeople are now under complete control of Abigail and her followers (Betty, Mary, ect). These reasonable adults are “under the spell” of these young girls, not even taking into consideration they could be making up falsehoods. By the end of Act 1, this group of girls controls the fate of everyone in the town.
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