How Does John Proctor Build Tension In The Crucible

One could imagine how a person would feel if the leader of their church was materialistic, narcissistic, and “preached nothing but golden candlesticks for twenty weeks.” The Crucible by Arthur Miller, contains a Reverend of a Puritan church who shows these traits. Reverend Parris thinks mainly of his well being, reputation, and desires. These specific, narcissistic objections directly effect why John Proctor, a farmer in the town who is not a “devout Puritan.” John Proctor will not tolerate Reverend Parris’ way of preaching, and Parris looks down upon John for his lack of attendance to church. These circumstances therefore causes tension between the two men. Throughout The Crucible, John Proctor and the Reverend Parris do not get along.

In the beginning of the play, John Proctor describes how Reverend Parris harped on not having golden candlesticks in the church meeting place. The church had pewter candlesticks that were made by Francis Nurse and were inexpensive. After a great deal of complaining, the people of the town paid to have golden candlesticks. Proctor expressed his feelings about this subject in the play because he believes Parris only thinks about himself. Proctor believes that Parris dreams of having cathedrals, instead of meeting houses, when a good Puritan should not love worldly objects. Parris also complains about not getting enough money for firewood to keep his home warm. He is being selfish of the amount of money the town gives him each year for his “needs.” The Reverend is the leader of the town and should be a devout Puritan that is a good role model to others. However, he is narcissistic and cares more about himself then the people he is supposed to be teaching. John Proctor despises Parris due to his wanting of worldly objects and his self centered thoughts and

Proctor and others describe how Parris talks about the Devil in his sermons more than he talks about God. He does not like this therefore he seldom goes to the meetings on Sundays. Additionally, at the meetings that Reverend Parris holds, he talks in length on monetary subjects. John Proctor says “the last meeting I were at you spoke so long on deeds and mortgages I thought it was an auction.” John’s sarcastic comment on the amount that Parris talks about financial issues is another reason he does not like Parris. John Proctor is not a “devout” Puritan to Rev. Parris due to his somewhat obsessive concerns with the Devil and the money owed in the