The play is set in Salem, Massachusetts, 1692; government is a theocracy: God's rule through religious officials. Hard work and church consume most of a Salem resident's time. There are simmering disputes over land within the community. Boundary and action issues are a source of constant and bitter disagreements. At the beginning of the play, Reverend Parris kneels in prayer before his daughter's bed. Ten-year-old Betty Parris lies in a motionless and unresponsive state. Parris is a dark and severe man who suffers from paranoia. He believes members of his congregation should not lift a finger during church services without his permission. The rumor that Betty is a victim of witchcraft spreads through Salem and a crowd has gathered in Parris' living room. Parris has sent for the Reverend John Hale of Beverly, an expert on witchcraft, to determine whether Betty is indeed bewitched. Parris scolds his niece, Abigail Williams, because he discovered her, Betty, and several other girls dancing in the forest in the dead of night with his slave, Tituba. Tituba intoned...