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Why Is The Judge Danforth Important In The Crucible

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The Crucible is a play by Auther Miller; based on his experience with McCarthyism, the story of The Crucible is about the historical event of the Salem witch trials. When lies of a group of people challenge the communities religious beliefs. The girls lie about witchcraft to avoid trouble, leading to the false imprisonment of hundreds of people and the execution of nineteen people. Danforth, the head judge and deputy governor, is developed as an stubborn judge with a monolithic code of justice. Additionally, Judge Danforth is invited to Salme by Rev. Parris to help with the “witchcraft” problem. He comes to Salem and follows a strict code, which he uses to gain power quickly in Salem. When Judge Danforth first comes to Salem he quickly gains power: JUDGE DANFORTH: Do you take it upon yourself to determine what this court shall believe and what it shall set aside? (ACT 3; pg 206) This strict …show more content…

As a result, hundreds of people have been imprisoned based on past grievances with neighbors. These imprisonments have led to the distrust of the courts as people see them as corrupt and false. JUDGE DANFORTH: I judge nothing. (Pause. He keeps watching Proctor, who tries to meet his gaze.) I tell you straight, Mister-I have seen marvels in this court. I have seen people choked before my eyes by spirits; I have seen them stuck by pins and slashed by daggers. I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me. Do you understand my meaning? (ACT 3; pg 211) Judge Danforth is concerned and arrogant that the girls could be lying about everything. Even when Mary Warren confesses to the court that she never says any spirits, Abigail uses her power over the town and courts to convince Danforth that the claims are false. This makes it harder for Judge Danforth to follow his strict code, especially when Abigail uses her powers to cloud his

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