Discussion Topic
Thomas Putnam's advice to Parris regarding his daughter's affliction in The Crucible
Summary:
In The Crucible, Thomas Putnam advises Parris to consider witchcraft as the cause of his daughter's affliction. He suggests that Parris should declare it publicly to gain control over the situation and assert his authority in the community.
What advice does Thomas Putnam give to Parris about his daughter's affliction in Act 1 of The Crucible?
I'm not convinced that Putnam has already realized how he can manipulate this situation to his advantage. He says plenty to suggest that he really does believe that witchcraft is to blame for the loss of seven out of his eight seemingly healthy (at first) children. When Parris begs Putnam not to leap to witchcraft as the cause of Betty Parris's and Ruth Putnam's illnesses, Putnam says, "I have taken your part in all contention here, and I would continue; but I cannot if you hold back in this. There are hurtful, vengeful spirits layin' hands on these children." In other words, he's been Parris's ally in all previous disputes in Salem, but he can no longer unless Parris takes this bull by the horns.
When Mrs. Putnam confesses that she sent her Ruth to Tituba to conjure the spirits of her dead babies, Putnam says to Parris, "Let your...
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enemies make of it what they will, you cannot blink it more." He means that Parris is going to have to address this; it must be out in the open. He advises Parris to try to get in front of the accusations, though. Parris is terrified that he will lose his position, but Putnam advises him, "Wait for no one to charge you -- declare it yourself. You have discovered witchcraft--." If Parris takes the credit for recognizing the signs of witchcraft in the village, then he will become more powerful, not less. Putnam tells him, convincingly, "Strike out against the Devil, and the village will bless you for it!"
What advice does Thomas Putnam give to Parris when he believes his daughter is afflicted by witchcraft?
Parris is uncertain of what to do in the opening act. He is afraid of making a public issue of witchcraft, believing that he will be implicated in it. His lack of resolve reflects his own sense of insecurity that is a permanent part of his character, something that reflects his own lack of firmness in his own sense of identity. Putnam recognizes that there is a certain opportunity in this moment. Along with Goody Putnam and Abigail, he is able to convince Parris that he must address the people gathered downstairs and denounce the devil and witchcraft. Putnam believes that Parris must do this for a couple of reasons. The first would be that it would put the downstairs group at ease, knowing that the devil is the cause of the girls' affliction. At the same time, being able to publicly raise the presence of the devil would be able to defer any potential blame to both Parris' daughter and Putnam's own, who is in a trance- like state similar to Betty Parris. From the most ulterior of motives, Putnam believes that the more accusations and people accused of witchcraft will enable him to be consolidate his landowning status in Salem, something that Miller tells us is important as the land charter had been revoked in Salem. This insight comes out of the Act I stage directions.
What advice does Thomas Putnam give Samuel Parris about his daughter and witchcraft?
Samuel Parris' main concern while his daughter Betty lay inert on her bed was for himself. Parris felt the town conspired against his every move, and while he should have been concerned with how to his his own child, he is instead worrying how to keep the incident quiet.
Salem Village is not an easy town to keep things private, and it is not long before word gets around about the plight of the Reverend's daughter. The Putnam's arrive with news of their own child's affliction.
Thomas Putnam convinces Parris to go downstairs and make the announcement that he has discovered witchcraft in their town. Parris did not want to do this, for he does not think he should be associated with evil. But, in the end, he realizes that it is fruitless to try to hide Betty's ailment, and tries to put himself in the best light possible.