“Nothing strengthens authority like silence” (Leonardo Da-Vince). In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, several problems led to downfall and corruption in the town of Salem. The biggest problem was with Reverend Paris and how much he was struggling with his authority in the city as a man of God. The reader must understand that although Reverend Paris is supposed to be a man of God, he abuses his power to control the Church, protect his reputation, and focus too much on material goods. A vital force in the corruption of the people of Salem is the way Reverend Paris abuses his power to control the church. Reverend Paris uses his power to control the church by instilling fear in the congregation. First, Reverend Paris shows his lust for control by stating, “Either there is obedience, or the church will burn like hell burns” (Miller, 1274). This means that either everyone will obey everything he says, or they will all burn in hell. This shows how much fear he is spreading among the people of the Church. Additionally, Reverend Paris shows his need to be me...