What item is found near Parris's door in Act 4?

In Act 4 of "The Crucible," the item found near Parris's door is a dagger. This detail holds significant weight within the narrative, as it symbolizes the rising tensions and the grave consequences of the witch trials that have engulfed Salem. The presence of the dagger suggests the imminent threat and violence that Parris faces, reflecting the anger and desperation of the townspeople. The climatic atmosphere of fear and paranoia during this time is embodied in this object, as it represents not just personal danger to Parris, but also the overall chaos that the hysteria has unleashed in the community. The dagger's discovery foreshadows the tragic events that occur as a result of the trials, linking Parris's fate to the collective unrest in Salem.