Discussion Topic
Judge Danforth's pride in "The Crucible"
Summary:
Judge Danforth's pride in "The Crucible" is evident in his unwavering belief in the righteousness of the court and his decisions. His refusal to admit any possibility of error or to reconsider the evidence presented leads to the tragic outcomes of the witch trials, showcasing his stubbornness and concern for his reputation over justice.
From The Crucible, provide quotes that demonstrate Judge Danforth's pride.
In Arthur Miller's The Crucible, Judge Danforth is primarily interested in one person: himself. We get our first clue about that in the notes introducing the judge. He is
a grave man in his sixties, of some humor and sophistication that does not, however, interfere with an exact loyalty to his position and his cause.
In other words, Danforth makes up his mind quickly and sticks with it, apparently no matter what the facts say.
When Giles Corey tries to tell the judge that people are telling lies about his wife, Martha, Danforth pridefully remarks, "Do you take it upon yourself to determine what this court shall believe and what it shall set aside?" He has already made up his mind and does not want Giles's interference and disruption. Danforth is in charge of the court, and things will be run according to his specifications. It is, after...
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all, "the highest court of the supreme government of this providence," and since he has authority over it, what he says goes.
Danforth refuses to listen to Francis Nurse as well when the latter tells him that the girls are frauds. He knows better, he thinks. After all, he has put almost four hundred people in jail with his signature alone and has condemned seventy-two to death by hanging. He is caught up in his power, bragging about his authority without once remembering that he is talking about human beings. He has assumed control over their lives and deaths, firmly insisting upon his right to do so. Indeed, this judge is almost drunk with power and pride. He has made up his mind about what is going on in Salem, and at this point, nothing will change it, not even the truth.
In Arthur Miller's classic play The Crucible, Deputy Governor Danforth is portrayed as an arrogant, prideful man who callously wields his authority to protect Salem's corrupt court at the expense of innocent civilians. Deputy Governor Danforth believes he is emboldened by God to make judgments and demonstrates his pride by challenging arguments that threaten to undermine his court. When Francis Nurse says that he possesses proof that Abigail Williams and the girls are frauds, Danforth displays his pride by responding,
And do you know that near to four hundred are in the jails from Marblehead to Lynn, and upon my signature? ... And seventy-two condemned to hang by that signature?
Danforth is proud of the number of "witches" he has condemned and attempts to intimidate Francis Nurse and Giles Corey, who claim to have damning evidence against the girls. He hopes that his credentials are enough to make them reconsider their argument.
In act 4, Danforth once again demonstrates his pride by refusing to pardon Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, or John Proctor. When Reverend Hale begs Danforth to give him more time to visit with the prisoners and influence them to offer false confessions, Deputy Governor Danforth responds by saying,
Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. While I speak God's law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering. If retaliation is your fear, know this—I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes.
Danforth is too proud to offer an extension and is primarily concerned about how postponing the hangings will influence his reputation. He would rather hang innocent civilians than be viewed as a weak, sympathetic judge. Reverend Hale continues to argue for postponement, and Danforth tells him,
Mr. Hale, as God have not empowered me like Joshua to stop this sun from rising, so I cannot withhold from them the perfection of their punishment.
Danforth comparing himself to Joshua from the Bible underscores his pride and sense of importance. He firmly believes he has been endowed by God to exact punishment on sinners and refuses to compromise. Danforth's pride contributes to the witchcraft hysteria and tragic deaths of Rebecca Nurse, Martha Corey, and John Proctor.