Why does Parris try to prevent Proctor from being hanged in Act IV?

In Act IV of Arthur Miller's *The Crucible*, Parris's attempt to prevent Proctor's hanging stems from a mixture of self-preservation and a belated, albeit unconvincing, concern for Proctor's well-being. He's primarily motivated by fear:

* Fear for his own reputation and safety: The crumbling of the witch hunt threatens Parris's position and possibly his life. Proctor's defiance and the growing doubts about the trials directly implicate Parris and expose his own hypocrisy and potential complicity. He sees Proctor's execution as further fueling the rebellion and distrust against him. Saving Proctor, therefore, becomes a way to try and salvage his standing.

* Fear of the social unrest: The hanging of a respected figure like Proctor could incite a full-scale revolt. Parris is keenly aware of the shifting public opinion and the potential for violence if Proctor dies a martyr. Preventing the hanging becomes a desperate attempt to maintain order and his own authority.

It's crucial to note that Parris's concern for Proctor is secondary and largely insincere. He never truly shows remorse for his role in the trials or genuine compassion for Proctor's suffering. His efforts are primarily about saving himself and preserving his precarious position in the community, not about doing what is morally right.