In Act 3 of "The Crucible," Judge Danforth measures the worth of the poppet as evidence of witchcraft based on its physical presence and the context of its discovery. He interprets the poppet, with a needle stuck in it, as a tool for invoking harm, suggesting that it connects to Abigail Williams' accusations against Elizabeth Proctor. Danforth's evaluation underscores his reliance on tangible evidence rather than the motivations or integrity of the people involved, reflecting the broader themes of hysteria and injustice in the play.
Danforth is Deputy Governor of the Province; in the book, he serves the purpose of chief judge (Hathorne, the other judge, has no influence over him).
Judge Danforth
judge
Mary Warren says the girls are lying when Proctor brings her to speak with Judge Danforth.
Parris gives Danforth the news that Abigail and Mercy Lewis have run off with Paris's money. Danforth is the deputy governor of Massachusetts and the presiding judge at the witch trials.
Danforth is Deputy Governor of the Province; in the book, he serves the purpose of chief judge (Hathorne, the other judge, has no influence over him).
Judge Danforth
Judge Danforth
judge
Mary Warren says the girls are lying when Proctor brings her to speak with Judge Danforth.
Parris gives Danforth the news that Abigail and Mercy Lewis have run off with Paris's money. Danforth is the deputy governor of Massachusetts and the presiding judge at the witch trials.
hathorne is the judge that sits next to danforth in the courtroom scene
Deputy Governor John Danforth was in his 60s in the book, The Crucible.
Francis Nurse, husband to Rebecca Nurse, was highly respected in the Puritan community in Salem, Massachusetts. Francis warns Judge Danforth of Abigail's lies and accusations. Danforth cannot believe he is being coaxed. Francis: "Excellency, we have proof for your eyes; God forbid you shut them to it. The girls, sir, the girls are frauds." Danforth: "What's that?" Francis: "We have proof of it, sir. They are all deceiving you." Hathorne: "This is contempt, sir, contempt!" Danforth: "Peace Mr. 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." Danforth: "And do you know that near to four hundred are in the jails from Marblehead to Lynn, and upon my signature" Francis: "I-" Danforth: "And seventy-two condemned to hang by that signature" Francis: "Excellency, I have never thought to say it to such a weighty judge, but you are being deceived."
William Stoughton was the head judge during the trials. Thomas Danforth was the main government official involved.William Stoughton was the lead judge during the trials.
The judge presiding over the Salem witch trials along with Deputy Governor Danforth.
Judge Danforth would want Giles Corey to provide the names of the individuals who allegedly signed a petition in support of the accused witches, as this could help him maintain control over the court proceedings and validate the trials. He seeks to uphold the authority of the court and suppress any dissent. Corey's refusal to name names demonstrates his resistance to the court's unjust practices, which frustrates Danforth's goal of preserving the court's credibility. Ultimately, Danforth aims to extract information that would reinforce his position and the legitimacy of the trials.