Final answer:
Reverend Parris worries about his reputation because of the importance of social standing in Salem's Puritan society, especially as a minister. The witchcraft trials threatened his authority and respect due to his close association with the accused girls.
Step-by-step explanation:
Reverend Parris is so worried about his reputation because in the Puritan society of Salem during the witch trials, a person's social standing and perception of moral character were of utmost importance. Parris, being the local minister, was seen as a moral leader and his reputation directly affected his authority and the respect he received from the community.
The occurrence of witchcraft in Salem and the subsequent trials put a spotlight on anyone associated with the accused. Since his own daughter and niece were among those exhibiting strange behaviors and later admitted to dabbling in the occult, this could reflect poorly on Parris and suggest a failure in his spiritual leadership.
Furthermore, an accusation of witchcraft against a family member could easily tarnish Parris's reputation and thereby diminish his credibility as a religious authority, impacting his livelihood and social status. Hence, the turmoil added significant pressure on him to manage the situation to preserve his standing within the highly religious and strict Puritan community.