Crucible Post One

               At the start of the novel the power in Salem rests with the minister, Parris.  In puritan times the Church was the supreme power.  the church also was adept at the wielding the great weapon of the fear of man. The Church had the supreme authority to grant and or deny one salvation - quite a power indeed.  Back to the matter at hand, the town of Salem.  Parris minister of Salem,  wields power of the people of Salem,  they look to him for advice and prayer,which may not resemble our idea of power but in this time period, people coming to you and standing behind you is quite important.  people look to him, we see this in action when Tom Putnam asks a favour of Parris, "They're thirsting for your word, Mister! Surely you'll pray with them."  In this excerpt we see the comfort the people of Salem drive from their minister.  Another person who wields power in this town is John Proctor.  A natural leader people flock to John Proctor for he is one that secretes security and leadership, he walks around, appearing to the village as one with a self assured air.  For those who are not sure of much in their lives, they cling to him, this man who seems to know what is right and what is what in this troublesome time.  This gives John Proctor power of the people of Salem as well.  Alas as the act comes to a close it is neither man who holds the power in Salem.  In this small town power is people standing behind you, spreading your word, as one of my classmates said, 'Abigail is the puppet master of  these girls' In Salem power is that he who holds the power is the one whose long fingers manipulate the strings.  At the end of Act one the power rests with the girls.  It is the girls whom all eyes are trained on,  their ears soaking up the tales that spill forth effortlessly from there lips like parched sponges.  In haste to be at the center to create a name for themselves, to in turn wield the power (for it is my belief to these men 'do good' is truly at the bottom of the list) the men drink up their lies as one would a summer punch.  Now to whom do the men turn to for answers?  Who are they begging, relying on for information? The women of Salem.  These girls, the ones pointing the fingers and calling names are the ones twitching the strings in Salem.  Wether the men are aware of it or not, the power has indeed shifted.  The women are calling the shots, in this strict male dominated society the women find they are not so powerless anymore.  It is remarkable what a few haste words and pointed fingers can do to a town that is broiling in sin, and looking for someone to blame.  The women of Salem are powerful indeed.