What are Parris's to motives for seeking confessions at the conclusion of the play in the book Crucible ?

In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Reverend Parris has a complex set of motives for seeking confessions towards the conclusion of the play. Here are two key motives:

1. Self-Preservation:

  - Reverend Parris is motivated by a desire to protect himself and maintain his position of authority in Salem. The witch trials have caused chaos and unrest in the community, and Parris is concerned about the impact on his reputation and status. He believes that if he can show the court that there are confessions, it may help him escape blame for the hysteria.

2. Fear of Retribution:

  - Parris is also motivated by a fear of retribution from the townspeople. He realizes that the trials and executions have caused anger and resentment among the citizens. By encouraging confessions, Parris hopes to redirect the blame onto the accused individuals and distance himself from responsibility for the tragic events in Salem.

Parris's motives are not purely altruistic or driven by a genuine concern for justice. Instead, his actions are driven by a mix of self-interest, fear, and a desire to manipulate the situation to his advantage. Throughout the play, Parris is depicted as a character who is more concerned with his own standing in the community than with the well-being of others.