In The Crucible, where and how does Reverend Parris show that he is so fueled by his self-centeredness and greed for power that he is blind to the...

In Act I, when his daughter Betty lies inert after collapsing in the woods, Reverend Parris expresses concern only half-heartedly for her well-being. His self-centeredness leads him to care more about his reputation in the village than his daughter's health. Since it is believed that Betty was dancing in the woods in a ceremony of witchcraft, the village is now turning a critical eye upon Parris and his home, wondering how he will respond to this incident. He at first vehemently denies the presence of witchcraft in order to try to save face with the village.

Much of Parris' self-centeredness and power-hungry nature is revealed through John Proctor, a nemesis of Parris, who openly expresses his contempt. In Act II, when Reverend Hale questions the Proctors' sporadic attendance at church services, John complains of Parris' greed in purchasing, among other things, golden candlesticks for the altar. Giles Corey also reveals that Parris is the first minister ever to demand the deed for his home, a parsonage normally on "loan" from the church.

In Act III, when John Proctor goes to the court to try to free his wife, Parris repeatedly interrupts the proceedings, insisting that John is trying to blacken his name in the village, and, ultimately, overthrow the court.

In Act IV, Parris' hypocrisy and self-serving nature reach a new level when he finds his life threatened by a dagger clanging to the ground outside his home in the middle of the night. While he mercilessly promoted the witch hunts and executions throughout the play, when he fears vengeance from executed spirits, he goes to the prison to plead with the prisoners to confess and therefore save their lives. He cares not about their lives or their souls but only his own safety. He is so self-absorbed, in fact, that his niece, Abigail, is able to rob him and leave him penniless in Act IV; this leaves Deputy Governor Danforth to berate Parris as a "brainless man."

One truth that Parris is blind to throughout the play is the duplicitous nature of Abigail. He has heard rumors of her affair with John Proctor, but he seems satisfied with her denial of them; after all, a lecherous niece under his roof would make him look like a terrible minister. As the trials wear on, and Abigail is elevated to the level of a savior, Parris champions her agenda and lusts for the death of his adversaries. He leaves himself open to Abigail's deceit in the end, when she robs him and flees Salem, and he is left with no money and a miserable reputation.