1. How the events and the characters of the play relate to the theme "power"
             In The Crucible it is the effects of religious zeal, fear of heresy, intolerance and superstition that made the people of Salem willing to accept supernatural reasons for their problems. There is so much insecurity in the young colony that anyone who questions the authorities, either religious or state, is seen to be launching an attack on the whole foundation of society. Characters like Parris and Putnam used the situation in Salem to gain authority and power.
             Together with Thomas Putnam Reverend Samuel Parris uses the witch hunts as a chance of gaining power and authority in Salem. At the beginning of Act One (an Overture) he is described as a miserable, harsh man who thinks that everyone should be as serious as he is. This extends even to young children, whom Parris does not understand at all. Furthermore it is indicated that he is an insecure for he interprets rather insignificant incidents, for instance someone leaving a meeting before waiting for his permission, as insults against himself. When at the beginning of the play his daughter, Betty, lies sick in bed, Parris is less worried about her condition than about what the people of Salem will think if it turns out that Betty is "witched". He is convinced of a conspiracy, against him in Salem. Anyone who disagrees with Parris is his enemy and wants to "drive him from his pulpit" [p. 21, l. 3].
             Later in Act One Parris complains that the people of Salem do not respect him and bring up the fact that he has not been supplied with firewood. When Proctor expresses his criticism for Parris' greed it becomes clear that Parris views Proctor as his primary opponent, demonstrated when he accuses Proctor of leading a faction against him.
             Parris: "There is a party in this church. I am not blind; there is a faction and a party."
             Proctor: "Why, then I must ...