What do the Putnams and Reverend Parris have in common at the beginning of the story?

The correct answer highlights a crucial theme in the early part of "The Crucible" surrounding the hysteria in Salem. At the beginning of the story, both the Putnam family and Reverend Parris are dealing with the distress caused by their daughters' mysterious illnesses. Specifically, Betty Parris, Reverend Parris's daughter, and Ruth Putnam, the Putnams' daughter, both exhibit strange behaviors that lead to suspicion of witchcraft. This commonality creates a connection between the two families as they navigate the fear and paranoia gripping Salem, ultimately playing a significant role in propelling the plot forward.

In contrast, while wealth and social status certainly play a role in the story, neither Parris nor the Putnams are primarily characterized by their wealth in this initial context. Their friendship or historical ties are not established at the onset, nor is Reverend Parris depicted as someone who works alongside the Putnams in a religious capacity, thus making the first option the most relevant connection at the beginning of "The Crucible."