Editor's Choice

What is the significance of these two quotes from Act 1 of Arthur Miller's The Crucible?

1. "Now look you, child, your punishment will come in its time." (Parris to Abigail)
2. "Your name in the town—it is entirely white, is it not?" (Parris to Abigail)

Quick answer:

The first quote highlights Reverend Parris's prioritization of his reputation over punishing Abigail, indicating his fear of scandal affecting his ministry due to the witchcraft rumors. The second quote questions Abigail's reputation in the town, as Parris has heard rumors about her and Goody Proctor. This reflects Parris's concern about the impact of Abigail's actions on his standing, especially since she was dismissed from the Proctors' service and hasn't found new employment.

Expert Answers

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1. When the Reverend Parris tells Abigail that her punishment will come in its time, he means that punishing her is not currently on the top of his list of priorities.  He is concerned "[his] ministry's at stake, [his] ministry and perhaps [her] cousin's life."  He knows everyone in the village suspects witchcraft to be at the root of Betty's apparent illness and fears his enemies "will ruin [him] with it."  Abigail swears she and Betty did not conjure spirits in the woods, but the dancing that she's already confessed to is an act for which Parris would punish her.  He's simply putting her punishment on hold because he is so panicked about his status and position in the town and his daughter.

2. When Parris asks Abigail whether her name is "white" in the town, he is asking after her reputation.  He has heard rumors that Goody Proctor does not come to church any more because "she will not sit so close to something soiled."  It is unlikely that Elizabeth would actually have said this because she wouldn't want to cast suspicion on her husband (who had an affair with Abigail) and injure his reputation, and because the reason she's not been coming to church is she's been sick since the birth of her last child.  The Proctors did discharge Abigail from their service seven months earlier, however, and Parris thinks it is odd no one else has inquired about hiring Abigail during this time.

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