Moral Compass: Hale is a more compassionate and moral character compared to Parris. While Parris is driven by his desire for power and social status, Hale is genuinely concerned about the well-being of the community and seeks justice. He is willing to question the validity of the witchcraft accusations and expresses doubts about the methods used to identify witches.
Intellectual Curiosity: Hale is an educated man who is open-minded and inquisitive. He is willing to consider different viewpoints and is skeptical of the blind acceptance of authority. In contrast, Parris is more rigid in his beliefs and reluctant to challenge established norms.
Belief in Due Process: Hale believes in the importance of due process and fair trials. He is disturbed by the lack of evidence and the swiftness of the trials in Salem. Parris, on the other hand, is more inclined to accept accusations without thorough investigation, prioritizing the preservation of his own reputation and authority.
Response to Hysteria: Hale initially arrives in Salem with the intention of helping to uncover the truth. However, as the hysteria intensifies, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and realizes the dangers of the situation. Parris, on the other hand, embraces the hysteria and uses it to his advantage, exploiting it to eliminate his enemies and cement his power.
Impact on the Community: Hale's presence and his questioning of the trials eventually lead to a shift in public opinion. His doubts about the validity of the accusations and his insistence on due process help to expose the flaws in the proceedings. Parris, on the other hand, contributes to the escalation of the hysteria and the suffering it causes within the community.
By contrasting Hale's qualities with those of Parris, Miller highlights the flaws and dangers of blind adherence to authority, the abuse of power, and the destructive nature of hysteria.