Judge Danforth is
the epitome of over-adherence and rigidity concerning the law
. He is intelligent, successful, and highly respected. Danforth has come to Salem in order to oversee the prosecution of those accused of witchcraft. He has serene confidence in his ability to deliver fair judgment.
How is Judge Danforth described in The Crucible?
Danforth is clearly
an intelligent man, highly respected and successful
. He arrives in Salem to oversee the trials of the accused witches with a serene sense of his own ability to judge fairly. … Despite his intelligence and prestige, Danforth is the most deluded character in the play.
What is Judge Danforth's argument?
In answer to Hale, Danforth puts forth the argument that
witchcraft is an “invisible crime
.” Basically, he's making the claim that such a crime is largely committed apart from the community's knowledge. Danforth asserts that only the witch and the victim can attest to the guilt of the witch.
How does Judge Danforth abuse his power?
Danforth demonstrates an abuse of power, dominating the court by their fear of being accused of witchcraft, or of being condemned for contempt of the court.
He bullies them into confessing, threatening them with death or jailing
if they don't.
Is Judge Danforth power hungry?
He
was also power-hungry
, and was also willing to protect his name even if it would require him to kill innocent people. Danforth was a great example of how greed can get out of control, his love of power, caused him to do anything to stay in power, even if he had to sentence innocent people to death.
What is Judge Danforth most afraid of?
He was terrified that his name would be
associated with witchcraft
. So, his zealousy in helping the courts helps to alleviate that possibility. Then, add to that the following: if they were wrong in judging all of those people, then their careers are over–especially Danforth's.
What is Danforth's role in the proceedings?
Danforth, as we are told in some background information in act three, is
the Deputy Governor of the colony
. He is, evidently, the chief magistrate in the trials as a result of his position, and people present themselves and their evidence directly to him.
Who does Judge Danforth accuse?
Danforth summons Abigail and three of the girls into the vestry room, where he questions Abigail. She denies Mary Warren's charge that she is lying and that she falsely accused
Elizabeth Proctor
.
What happened to Judge Danforth?
Danforth died in Cambridge on November 5, 1699
.
Why does Danforth care about his reputation?
Unlike John Proctor
Does Danforth believe in witchcraft?
In this way, Danforth's belief or disbelief in witchcraft itself
is immaterial
. He only cares about the integrity of the authority of the court. Political authority and religious authority are one and the same in Salem, and Danforth upholds what he strongly believes is the unarguable truth.
How is Danforth a hypocrite?
Danforth is a stubborn man. He is a
hypocrite in that he will not allow his ego to be deflated
. He sees no flexibility in the law and he is allowing innocent people to hang. He would rather innocent people die than to appear wrong about his court room decisions.
How is Danforth prideful?
In The Crucible, Judge
Danforth exhibits excessive pride and arrogance through his actions, his words, and his attitude
. Three specific moments, all in Act III, are indicative of those attributes. One is when Danforth plays rather fast and loose with the law. We know the girls have eaten with some regularity…
Why does Miller repeat the word fear so many times?
They repeat the words, “fear” and “country” a number of times within four sentences. The word “fear” would definitely create tension in the audience because as soon as it is
mentioned they would feel on edge
as to why it is being said so often.
What does Mr Putnam want that motivates him to go along with the accusations?
Motivation: 1.
Save his wife
; he feels responsible to her accusation. 2. He wants to preserve his farm for his family.
What is the most probable cause of the accusation of witchcraft?
| Question Answer | What is the most probable cause of the accusation of witchcraft Desire for vengeance and power | Why is Marshal Herrick shamefaced when he appears at the Proctors' house in Act II He has come to take away Elizabeth to jail. |
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