The omniscient narrator begins by establishing the context of the story. The play is set in Salem Massachusetts, in the year 1692. The play opens on Reverend Parris, who kneels in anguished prayer before the bed on which his daughter, Betty, lies unresponsive. Tituba, the Reverend's slave, concerned for Betty and yet fearful of her master's wrath, enters the room to inquire as to Betty's health. Parris angrily casts her out of the room, and then falls into a fit of sobbing prayer, begging his daughter to rise from the bed. (read more)