Mr. Putnam by Kaelyn Whitcomb

Quote (from)

schultzdancer — 2014-09-24 15:43:08 UTC

"Mr. Parris, I have taken your part in all contention here, and I would continue; but I cannot if you hold back in this. These are hurtful, vengeful spirits layin' hands on these children." -Thomas Putnam

(The adults are arguing about whether Betty is ill from sickness or witchcraft. Parris tells Putnam that he should not leap to witchcraft)

This quote shows how stubborn Thomas Putnam is and how quickly he will leap to witchcraft, without any real evidence. It also shows how he thinks he is intellectually superior to others because he insists that he is right. Mr. Putnam has been through a lot (7/8 of his babies have died) so this explanation is an easy one to jump to.

Indirect Characterization

schultzdancer — 2014-09-24 15:49:03 UTC

Thomas Putnam is a stubborn man. Throughout the first act, he is pushing the fact that it was witchcraft that harmed Ruth and Betty. When others deny the possibility that supernatural things caused their illness, Thomas insists upon it.

Direct Characterization

kaelynw97 — 2014-09-25 23:43:20 UTC

Thomas Putnam is a strict and wealthy landowner at the age of 50. He was the oldest son of the wealthiest son in the village. He thought of himself as intellectually superior to everyone else. Mr. Putnam is known to have a revengeful attitude which was displayed when his brother-in-law had been rejected as minister. He felt that his family name and honor had been soiled. He also desperately tries to get whatever he wants like when he changed his father's will to his favor. Thomas Putnam has also been known to accuse people often and supports the idea of witches in the town

Quote (to)

kaelynw97 — 2014-09-25 23:59:55 UTC

"Thomas, Thomas, I pray you, leap not to witchcraft. I know that you-- you least of all, Thomas, would ever wish so disastrous a charge laid upon me. We cannot leap to witchcraft. They will howl me out of Salem for such corruption in my house."

-Reverend Parris

(Parris and Putnam are talking of Reverend Hale coming from Beverly to examine Ruth and Betty to find any signs of witchcraft in the village.)

This quote shows that no matter how desperate the situation, or who is involved in the situation, Mr. Putnam will accuse people of witchcraft. He started to accuse Betty of witchcraft without any clear evidence. He didn't care about what would happen to Parris's reputation if that information got out. He accused and assumed Betty of witchcraft and because of his stubbornness, he kept restating his findings.

Symbol of Character

schultzdancer — 2014-09-26 02:54:13 UTC

Thomas Putnam makes several accusations about others doing witchcraft in order to find a scapegoat for this situation that he's in. Witchcraft is an easy blame and can be made into someone else's problem. Thomas Putnam's only child is in a comatose state so his is making accusation at pretty much everyone else.