Question

What does Parris imply by saying, "It is a weighty name; it will strike the village that Proctor confess"?

a) That Proctor's confession will have a significant impact on the village
b) That Proctor's name carries a heavy reputation in the village
c) That Proctor's confession is a weighty burden for him
d) That Parris values Proctor's confession

Answer 1

Parris implies that John Proctor's confession to witchcraft will greatly affect the village due to Proctor's significant reputation; it would lend credibility to the witch trials and influence the community's perceptions.

Step-by-step explanation:

By saying, "It is a weighty name; it will strike the village that Proctor confess," Parris implies that Proctor's confession will have a significant impact on the village. This is because John Proctor is a man of considerable reputation and influence within the community, and his confession to witchcraft would resonate deeply, potentially influencing the way the rest of the villagers view the ongoing witch trials. Parris recognizes that such an admission from Proctor would lend credibility to the court and the accusations of witchcraft, thus, it is not just a matter of valuing the confession but understanding its potential ramifications within the village social dynamics.