How Is Judge Danforth Characterized?

Governor Danforth

represents rigidity and an over-adherence to the law 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.

What type of character is Judge Danforth in The Crucible?

Governor Danforth

represents rigidity and an over-adherence to the law

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.

Is Judge Danforth a fair judge?

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. The hysteria of the trials does not extinguish his personal belief that he is the most qualified judge.

How is Judge Danforth characterized Support your response with a specific detail?

Governor Danforth

represents rigidity and an over-adherence to the law 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.

How did Judge Danforth change in the crucible?

Danforth is also comfortable in his position of authority and boasts about how many witches he has sentenced to death. However, Danforth's attitude begins to change as

John Proctor, Mary Warren

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 does Judge Danforth symbolize?

Danforth represents

the evil of blind certainty

in the play: he refuses to accept the truth because to do so would humiliate him. He'd rather see people die.

What does Judge Danforth have to gain from telling the truth?

He believes that no innocent person should fear the court, and that he and Judge Hathorne are guided by God, so nobody will be punished unjustly. Danforth believes that

he is a fair judge, open to the truth

.

Who will judge Danforth believe in Act 3?

In speaking to

Francis Nurse

during the courtroom scene of Act 3, Danforth reveals his own deluded belief that he is doing the will of God by condemning innocent people to death.

What is Mary trying to tell Danforth?

Mary hesitantly tells Danforth

that the girls were faking the whole time

. Danforth warns Proctor that he had better be sure this new evidence is truthful and questions him about his intentions. Proctor says he has no desire to undermine the court, and his only goal is to save his wife.

What happened to Judge Danforth?

Danforth died in Cambridge on November 5, 1699

.

What sin did Danforth commit?

Greed

. Greed is: the intense and selfish desire for something, especially wealth, power, or food. DANFORTH: Your husband—did he indeed turn from you? ELIZABETH, in agony: My husband—is a goodly man, sir.

Why is Judge Danforth responsible for the Crucible?

Judge Danforth is responsible

because he is not concerned about justice

, all he cares about is being correct about the witch trials.

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 is the most probable cause of the accusation of witchcraft?

Do you know who I am Mr nurse?

Danforth: Peace, Judge Hathorne. Do you know who I am, Mr. Nurse? Francis: I surely do, sir, and I think you must be a wise judge to be what you are.