Act III, Scene 2 Summary
As they debate the legitimacy of the witch trials, Deputy Governor Danforth informs John Proctor that his imprisoned wife, Elizabeth, has told the court that she is pregnant. John says it must be true because his wife "will never lie." Danforth decides to wait another month to see if she begins to show. If she does, her pregnancy will buy her another year (the Puritans did not hang pregnant women; they waited until a woman delivered her child and then hanged her).
Though Elizabeth may temporarily be safe, Proctor refuses to drop his challenge to the court, citing the other innocents who remain in danger. Parris insists that Proctor has come to "overthrow this court," but Marshal Herrick sticks up for Proctor's character.
Proctor then presents a "testament," signed by ninety-one people, that attests to the good character of Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, and Elizabeth. Parris continues to sow doubt, and Hathorne and Danforth decide that all those who signed the petition should be questioned. The signers should have nothing to fear, Danforth says, if they are of good conscience.
Giles Corey then presents a written deposition alleging that Thomas Putnam has put his daughter Ruth up to accusing people whose land he wants to purchase. Giles, however, refuses to reveal the name of the man who told him of this plot and is thus held in contempt of court. He refuses to name the individual because he doesn't want this man to get in trouble the way the other ninety-one who signed the testament now seem to be.
Reverend Hale tries to intervene, clearly growing frustrated with the unfairness of the proceedings. He wants Danforth to allow John and Giles to return and present their evidence to a lawyer. Still, Danforth feels such a move is unnecessary. Danforth then turns his attention to Mary Warren, who, under questioning, swears that she is telling the truth now (that the accusations were false) and that she lied before.
Expert Q&A
In Act 3, Scene 2 of The Crucible, what does Danforth say about witchcraft as a crime and the use of lawyers?
In Act 3, Scene 2 of "The Crucible", Danforth argues that witchcraft is an "invisible crime" committed outside public knowledge, with only the witch and victim as witnesses. He asserts that lawyers are unnecessary as the court already deems the accused guilty, hence, the truth must come from the victims. This logic is used to deny Proctor's request for a lawyer. Despite Proctor's insistence that the girls are deceitful, Danforth remains steadfast, leading to Proctor's irrevocable condemnation.
What allusion does Reverend Parris use against John Proctor in The Crucible?
Reverend Parris alludes to the Biblical story of Cain and Abel against John Proctor in The Crucible. He suggests that, like Cain who was initially seen as upright but still committed murder, Proctor's good reputation does not exempt him from being capable of sin. This insinuates that Proctor could be guilty of terrible deeds despite his outwardly moral appearance.
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