Bush vs Parris

[caseyr7]

Though I was unable to catch the original news conference with the president on TV last night, I was reading the news on yahoo today and came across an article that reported on it:

news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20071018/ts_nm/bush_dc_2;_ylt=AhSBPGK7gmeEJ_qD.V.sVBpqP0AC

After reading the article, I’ve found some connections with Bush and Parris. Parris was a predominant, although disliked and disrespected by many, figure in the society of Salem. Bush, as our president, is also in this same position with his approval ratings in the 30 percent range, the lowest of his presidency. In this article, Bush seems to be craving attention, shown in his readiness to answer the reporters’ questions. Parris also craves attention for himself and his reputation in the Crucible, shown through indications of his relief and contentment when Hale told him that the Devil only goes after the best souls.

[kimb07]

That was a very interesting article and it also helps to answer the question that Mr. Cheddar asked in class yesterday, "Why are we reading The Crucible and what can it tell us?". The Crucible doesn't only tell us about the power of the rhetoric of consensus, but it can also tell us about our leaders. In this article Bush stated, "I'm going to finish -- I'm going to work hard to the finish. I'm going to sprint to the finish line". This shows his determination to be successful. Parris was also a very determined leader seeing that he does everything in order to ensure his reputation. He says on page 11, “’Now then in the midst of such disruption, my own household is discovered to be the very center of some obscene practice’” (Miller 11). He is very worried that people in his congregation will find out about the witchcraft in his house. Both Bush and Parris are very determined to keep their reputation intact.

[christinec02]

That is a very interesting comparison, I can definitely see where you are coming from. Both Paris and Bush seem to depend upon the crisis that their consensus is in to pull together more respect from their targeted audience. Where they seem to be different though, is that Paris is looking out for himself and his reputation while Bush is trying to maintain the country's reputation and his reputation. Unlike Paris, Bush only has another year or so left in office so he would not be as heavily affected as Paris would be.

[alysonm7]

I agree with Kim about both Bush's and Paris' attempts to hold onto their reputation. As discussed in class, in the beginning, Paris was very firm in saying that there was no witchcraft in his house. After meeting with Hale, Hale says "It is the best the Devil wants, and who is better than the minister" (41). Once Paris hears this, he immediately switches sides and agrees with Hale that his daughter has fallen victim to witchcraft. According to Hale, if Betty was sick because of the witchcraft, it would mean that there is no one better than Paris. Therefore, he agrees with Hale in order to keep a good reputation.