Self-preservation and the downfall of Salem

Self-preservation is the act of protecting one’s self. It is often correlated with pain and fear and it is regarded as a basic human instinct. People often use self-preservation to protect their image and reputation in society, thus potentially having to lie and hurt someone else’s status in the process. In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, many characters demonstrate self-preservation to avoid the consequences of their own actions. This results in prolonging the witch trials in the town of Salem, causing the destruction of the community.

Reverend Samuel Parris is a prime example of a character that uses self-preservation throughout the play to maintain his high position in society.
When he realizes that his daughter Betty and his niece Abigail danced in the woods and potentially performed witchcraft, he knows it can hurt his reputation to be associated with them, especially if the rumours of their blasphemous actions are proven to be true. In act one Parris speaks with Abigail and says, “I have fought here three long years to bend these stiff necked people to me, and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character" (Miller 11). The townsfolk already question his values and see him as an unfit minister for the town. Parris is afraid that the actions of his rebellious daughter and niece will destroy the name he has worked to build over the years and thus give the community a reason to drive him out of the ministry. Accusations on innocent people are soon made and the witch trials proceed. Giles Corey, Francis Nurse, and John Proctor bring Mary Warren’s signed deposition to court as proof to clear their wives’ convictions and prove that the girls are fraud in their accusations. In response Parris says, “They’ve come to overthrow the court, sir!” (Miller 88) Parris