Danforth In The Crucible

862 Words2 Pages
bulb-icon

Recommended: Characterisation in the crucible

Deputy Governor Danforth is the leading government official in Salem, Massachusetts and his character, an enigma, makes it hard to decipher his intentions. Danforth, a morally ambiguous character, has a large amount of power and he exercises it liberally without others knowing of it’s justification. Respect is easily given to Danforth by the characters Herrick, Cheever, and Hawthorne, essentially only by his sycophants. Each character never questions his commands and they perform his biddings with ease. Danforth converses with Herrick, “Danforth: Indeed. That man has no authority to enter here, Marshal. Why have you let him in? Herrick: Why, Mr. Parris command me, sir. I cannot deny him. Danforth: Are you drunk, Marshal? Herrick: No, Sir, …show more content…

Danforth does not realize it, but Abigail manipulates him to achieve her menacing goals. Abigail tells Danforth exactly what he wants to hear in this scene, “Danforth, thinks, glances at Mary, then back at Abigail: Children, a very augur bit will now be turned into your souls until honesty is proved. Will either of you change your positions now, or do you force me to hard questioning?” (103). Danforth wants to control Abigail, and she allows this by giving him the information he needs without resistance because she knows she can accomplish her own goals using Danforth. However, for one moment Danforth questions Abigail and she turns the situation instantly onto Danforth’s innocence. Abigail warns Danforth in this scene, “Abigail: I have been hurt, Mr. Danforth; I have seen my blood runnin’ out! I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people—and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied, questioned like a—Danforth, weakening: Child, I do not mistrust you—Abigail, an open threat: Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you be so might that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it!” (109). Even though Danforth thinks he controls everything after receiving the “truth” from Abigail, he does not have everything under control. Abigail turns the situation around on him just like he did on Giles and puts him in

Show More
Related

  • Annotated Bibliography On The Crucible

    399 Words  | 1 Pages

    The focus of Miller’s The Crucible is an appalling witch trial that morfs the once-peaceful town of Salem into a cutthroat slaughterhouse. As a lucrative playwright and a not-so-subtle allegory author, Miller is a seasoned wordsmith who addresses people akin to himself, and is not secretive about that information. The Crucible best serves its purpose as a learning device and a social statement, especially at the time of its publishing. Miller‘s piece showcases the appeals in an easy-to-identify manner that is perfect for middle or high school students who are new to the appeals, or for English majors who have no problem pinpointing them, making this play ideal for a classroom setting.

    Read More

  • Danforth's Ethos In The Crucible

    139 Words  | 1 Pages

    Danforth and Hale are involved in an argument over the Salem witch trials now that the court is now in session. Danforth gets angered and fiercely tries to imply (without proof) that the “fear” in the county is being caused by the witches and nothing more. According to Danforth, the goal of the witches is to overthrow the belief of Christ in Salem. Danforth’s use of words was a combination of all rhetorical devices. Logos was used to structure his argument, the vivid language led to the use of pathos, and lastly ethos was associated with his authority and confidence in yelling out the true “problem” in Salem. Danforth clearly states that he thinks the daughter was the “villain” and in his mind he is the hero for realizing that the use of witchcraft

    Read More

  • The Role Of Authority In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

    696 Words  | 2 Pages

    Even if Danforth were to believe Proctor when he said the girls were lying, he couldn’t do what was morally right because it was expected of him by the people to tend to the accusations. Danforth knew how to maintain an equilibrium and not interfere with the break between authority and power. The responsibility of an authoritative role model is to be the voice for everyone who speaks to resolve a

    Read More

  • Act II of The Crucible

    1354 Words  | 3 Pages

    Arguing with Hale, Proctor uses common logic to point out the flaw in Hale's argument when he states, "Why do you never wonder if Parris be innocent, or Abigail? Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers?" (1283). Proctor is still using more logical questions to turn Hale, for the most part Proctor is correct just because Abigail is acusing does not make her the holy or devine one it only makes her the accuser. Some of the people in the town starts to notice that refer to the scene in court from Francise's view " Excellency, we have proof for your eyes; God forbid you shut them to it. The girls, sir, the girls are frauds. Danforth goes on to say "What's that!?" Francis "Excellency, I have never thought to say it to such a weighty judge, but you are decieved". This clearly starts to chop down on Abigails roll as an honest accuser. after Abigail's acusings continue the town is scared

    Read More

  • The Crucible by Arthur Miller

    1636 Words  | 4 Pages

    Even when she appeals for help from Danforth they continue to echo her. E.g. Mary: “Mr. Danforth!” Abigail and the girls: “Mr. Danforth!” This may be because Abigail does not want Mary to tell Danforth the truth and Abigail’s plot. This therefore prevents Danforth from finding out about Abigail and her manipulation of the other girls.

    Read More

  • Abigail Williams's Malevolence And Manipulation

    1499 Words  | 3 Pages

    Her ability to lie, her outspokenness and developing sexuality, is unlawful against the Puritan views and deemed as evil. If convicted of the acts she has committed, including her apparent interaction with the Devil, she would face severe consequences. But to avoid this, Abigail realizes that through deceiving innocence she can control and manipulate murderous acts to save herself and her reputation. This was a new opportunity for her to expand her rule over the town. Controlling the young girls around her, Abigail uses her newfound sense of power to manipulate the group in fear. Driving them to aid her accusations, she uses them in the court to prove her claims. Abigail quickly strikes fear into the girls when she begins to hit and threaten the girls screaming, “And mark this. Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring you a pointy reckoning that will shudder you” (Miller 19). By threatening the girls, Abigail easily frightens them enough to do her bidding. Using fear to her advantage is evil and this act of manipulation only furthers her antagonism. Abigail now has the ability to use facades and delusion with the loyalty of the other girls, to convince the people that it is not her conjuring spirits, but others in the town attacking

    Read More

  • Theme Of Power In The Crucible

    1224 Words  | 3 Pages

    "Them that will not confess will hang. While I speak with God 's law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering. I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and ocean of salt tears could not the resolution of the statutes." (Miller 129). Judge Danforth is not afraid to kill those that stand in his way. He is very similar to Abigail in that he will have innocent people killed to prove a point or to get what he wants. Its his way or the highway. If you do not cooperate, you will die. He abuses his power to get people to talk and give names. He is also very similar to Parris in his concern for power. Danforth holds all the power in the courtroom and basically forces you to talk and confess. If you don 't cooperate, then you will suffer the consequences. Ergo, it is a win-win situation for the accuser. "You are the high court, you word is good enough!" (Miller 143). Proctor later denounced himself for saying this, but the phrase is completely true. This quote is a reference to Danforth 's abuse of power throughout the witch trials. The high court deeply resembles the courts during the McCarthyism era. They held all the power and had the people 's lives in their hands. Danforth was prideful and believed himself to be a honest man. So whatever he thought was right, was declared as right. If they said you were guilty of being a witch, and hanged you, then no one in Salem did anything about it. They couldn 't say or do anything because the high court was always right. Many innocent people died because Danforth couldn 't admit he was wrong. If he did admit to being wrong, then the high court would lose power and it would of hurt his

    Read More

  • Corruption In The Crucible

    721 Words  | 2 Pages

    The love of power and for the law in Salem lead to the its downfall. Corruption of the courtroom is exemplified by Proctor and Giles Corey when they take a letter signed by 92 townsmen stating their wives were innocent of the charges. Deputy Danforth dismisses this quickly, showing corruption, he has no grace in the matter. Corruption of religion is demonstrated through Reverend Parris, a corrupt pastor in Salem who only cares for material objects, such as golden candlesticks. This is one of the reason why Proctor avoids attending church. Corruption of people occurs in various areas of the town. Danforth tells Proctor “Courage man, courage-let not her witness your good example that she may come to God herself. Now hear it, Goody Nurse! Say on, Mr. Proctor. Did you bind yourself to the Devil’s service?” (Miller 128). Proctor agrees with Danforth’s statement, but not in the way the people assume. The Devil reveals himself within Abigail, and Proctor binds himself to her during their affair. Lucifer corrupts Abigail and eventually takes down a monumental portion of Salem. The bigotry of the town led it down a larger road that was destined for

    Read More

  • John Proctor's Confession In The Crucible

    1257 Words  | 3 Pages

    Parris and Danforth prioritize their reputations over John Proctor’s actual life. Hale does not care about his good name, but about the lives of the people in Salem and his guilt for partaking in the trials. Like Proctor, Parris, Hale, and Danforth are extremely flawed men. They all make unrighteous decisions that can be selfish. Unlike Proctor, though, these men place their own needs above the needs of the community. John Proctor has lived in Salem all his life and cares for the town and its citizens, whereas Reverend Hale, Reverend Parris, and Danforth are all outsiders to the town. They place themselves above the well-beings of the townspeople for the reason that they do not care if Salem is to be destroyed. Reverend Parris, Reverend Hale, and Deputy Governor Danforth’s yearn of John Proctor’s confession represents they only care for their own self-interests and not about what his confession could do for the town of

    Read More

  • Scarlet Letter Essay

    1276 Words  | 3 Pages

    Even Shakespeare, one of the greatest writers of all time, had trouble answering this age-old question: what’s in a name? Are we defined by our given names, our nicknames, or by our personalities and actions, especially the mistakes we make? Nathaniel Hawthorne explores this idea with the characters in his novel, The Scarlet Letter. In contrast to modern-day Boston, Hawthorne depicts a time period where there were no deadlier sins than the lust for revenge, corruptness(especially in high society), and the overwhelmingly evident act of adultery. Vengefulness is still prominent in today’s society, but there is next to no one who showcases such a need for revenge than Roger Chillingworth. A character that should be virtually sin-free, the sister of Governor Bellingham, Mistress Hibbins, represents corruptness in the form of witchcraft in this Puritan town. There may be no better representation of sin than Hester Prynne, who bears her sin publicly and constantly; Hester embodies sin, physically and mentally. Even from the beginning of the story, it was clear everyone would be affected by Hester’s unforgivable act, especially her betrayed husband; although, he hadn’t been entirely innocent either.

    Read More

  • The Crucible Lechery Quotes

    1136 Words  | 3 Pages

    Judge Danforth, the deputy governor of Massachusetts and leading judge of the Salem witch trials, is described as a man who can do no wrong. The innocent citizens listen and obey to everything that Danforth requests. Part of the reason why Danforth believes he can do no wrong is because he feels he is guided by God, “The law, based upon the Bible, and the Bible, writ by Almighty God, forbid the practice of witchcraft, and describe death as the penalty thereof” (46). Danforth must follow God’s instructions and execute the accused citizens of witchcraft in Salem. As the play progresses the population of Salem decreases due to the amount of hangings, Danforth realizes Abigail is the one at fault. Danforth is put on a problematic situation. Danforth knows he’s killed so many innocent citizens but if he steps down from the court, he would be admitting to all his wrongdoings and he’s reputation would be ruined. When Danforth finds out Proctor is going to be hanged due to witchcraft he says, “Mr. Proctor, you have been notified, have you not? I see light in the sky, Mister; let you counsel with your wife, and may God help you turn your back on Hell.” (58). In this quote, Danforth is trying to persuade Proctor to confess of witchcraft even though he is innocent of it, just because he doesn’t want to be the one to hang him. Danforth is put in a very complicated

    Read More

  • The Crucible: Danforth And Hale

    1407 Words  | 3 Pages

    Arthur Millers The Crucible possesses many examples of interesting character development. A character who one initially finds to be worthy of mercy or pity can easily become the last person deserving of sympathy. This relationship is not only formed between the reader and the characters, but between the characters and the scenario of the story itself. The victim may become the accuser, or the scholar may become the humanitarian. This manner of characterization is best shown in the relationship between Reverend John Hale and Deputy Governor Danforth. Each is objectified to the events in Salem as they come into the situation with no attachments to any of the other characters and are unfamiliar with any of their mannerisms or personalities. Hale is a well-read minister who relies upon his books. Danforth is a reputable judge who relies on consistent input and prodding. Both of these men enter the trials with very similar goals. The places they stand at the finish, however, could not be more different. This is due to the personal relationships and opinions Hale develops concerning Salem. Reverend Hale is a dynamic character who learns his role as a minister while Judge Danforth is a constant force who voices others opinions through his authority.

    Read More

  • The Actions of Judge Danforth in The Crucible

    1622 Words  | 4 Pages

    To encapsulate, the character of Judge Danforth, initially thought off as the voice of authority. A person on whom Salem depended the most, for justice. His inappropriately actions due to his misconceptions and self-righteous mentality wiped off the communal trust and social bonds of the people of Salem. Thereby making him the most responsible for the tragedy Salem.

    Read More

  • Mary Warren Character Analysis

    785 Words  | 2 Pages

    Mary realizes that what Abigail is doing is wrong and she’s the only one who can put a stop to it. Abigail’s frustration grew as Mary announced to the court that, “She [Abigail] sees nothin’!” (121) and tried to accuse her of murder. Abigail saw Mary’s confidence building up as Mary kept denying using witchcraft after she repeatedly accused Abby of it. Transition here Abigail screaming at the “bird” on the ceiling because she thought it was Mary, Mary supposedly sent to attack her as Danforth asks Mary, “Have you compacted with the Devil? Have you?”(121) and Mary replies with, “Never, Never” (121). Mary Warren knows that if she does not admit to using witchcraft she could be hung, but she knows she must put an end to Abby’s manipulation. Earlier in the novel, Mary was too intimidated by Abigail and would never have had the courage to accuse Abby of lying about the events in the woods. To successfully accuse Abby, Mary had to admit that, “I never saw no spirits” (112) which put her own life in danger as well. Until accusing Abby of witchcraft and murder in the court with John Proctor, Mary Warren had no confidence in herself and did what everyone else wanted her to do. At the end of the play, Mary made decisions for herself and wasn’t afraid to go against what everyone else was doing.

    Read More

  • Power And Authority In The Crucible By Arthur Miller

    883 Words  | 2 Pages

    Danforth’s has too much confidence on his ability to distinguish the truth. His strong puritan beliefs blinds him from reality and considers people who goes against him as suspects. This demonstrated when he says, “But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between.” (94). This quotation proves that his decisions on court is mostly bias and he is against anything that violates his puritan beliefs. In addition, he also uses his authority as a Deputy Governor to maintain his reputation. He does not want to accept his mistakes and try to correct it because he does not want his reputation to be tainted. He displays this character by saying, “you misunderstand, sir; I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just.” (129). Danforth is too concerned about his reputation and he is afraid to that he will lose it if he admits that he has made wrong judgements. His bias opinion on what is right plays a vital on the mass hysteria that happened in

    Read More

More about Danforth In The Crucible

Open Document