Behaviours and actions sometimes have undisclosed meanings that lead one to think they will attain some sort of advantage over someone else. These kind of ulterior motives may come about from fear or jealousy and often can result in negative consequences. In 1962 a witch hunt in the town of Salem was held. In The Crucible, Parris feels like he needs to be in control and tries to maintain a moral order. Abigail is a young girl longing for a relationship with a married man named Proctor. Miller demonstrates that ulterior motives can lead to the destruction of relationships and even the demise of a community shown through Parris’ need for a positive reputation and Abigail’s mischief against Elizabeth Proctor.

Firstly, Miller exposes the …show more content…
In the beginning of the play, it may seem like Parris is a good man being concerned with his niece’s abnormal behaviour. However, it is quickly shown that he simply cares more about his reputation and status in the community when he says, “Abigail, 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. […]” (11). Parris tries to “bend these stiff-necked people” of the community because he fears that he will not be respected or have control over people, even when addressing his own congregation. In order to keep his good reputation, Parris attempts to guide people away from him and what he knows by stating there is no witchcraft in his house because he is a holy man- look somewhere else. In addition, Parris states in court that, ‘Thirty-one pound is gone. I am penniless.’ (126). This quote shows the way which even in the last act of the play he continues to be full of himself, crying over losing money. Many members of the community died because of all the accusations of these witch trials; the fact that Parris is crying over losing money and not about the number of people dead or in jail shows his true character. Parris’ ulterior motive has affected the town of Salem because he fears that the hangings of innocent