If the reporter grew up in a home with domestic violence, their opinion may sway the objective view of those involved the the news story.
They believe in devils and demons and thought witches gained power from the devil
The falling action is everything that comes after the part of him crying at the milk bar and feeling guilty. Basically everything after the line, "When the crying spell passed, he wiped his eyes and face with his hankerchief, feeling relieved."
Answer:
Social status seems to be Mrs. Pocket's chief concern in life.