Half of this question would be easy to answer; the other
half, of course, is a little trickier to find, since we don't always expect to find a
lot of positives in the midst of conflict. So, I'll concentrate on helping you think of
some "bests" which show themselves through the course of this
play.
The "worsts," of course, include: deaths, greed,
heresy, lies, accusations, loss of faith, lust, envy, corruption, lying...and the list
goes on.
The "bests" are fewer but represent the finest
aspects of human nature when faced with conflict:
John and
Elizabeth had a broken, awkward marriage due to John's infidelity; however, as each of
them tries to save the other from the punishment of death, their love is
renewed.
John is a man who has succumbed to his carnal
desires and broken his faith with God and man; however, as he is forced to choose
between his life and his name (his soul, that which matters), he is able to forgive
himself and accept God's forgiveness.
Giles is a
cantankerous, litigious man who keeps his friends and neighbors on the edge of a
lawsuit; however, he is able to withstand both the figurative and literal pressures of
this inquisition and save his land and holdings for his
family,
The Reverend Parris was a haughty, arrogant, and
self-absorbed man; however, this experience appears to have humbled him, and he now has
the potential to become a true man of God.
The loss of
these righteous community members (particularly Rebecca, Martha, and John) is a tragic
waste; however, it is their deaths which precipitate the end of the court and the
trials.
This should get you started on your essay--it would
be an interesting one to write, with a clear structure built in to the prompt. Happy
writing!
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