Danforth's Demise of Salem

Danforth's Demise of Salem

  • Submitted By: baltyisbest
  • Date Submitted: 12/15/2009 5:12 PM
  • Category: English
  • Words: 603
  • Page: 3
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Danforth's Desolation of Salem

Abigail is definitely an evil character throughout the story The Crucible, but Judge Danforth is characterized as something almost just as wicked: a controlling tycoon. Danforth takes over the courtroom similar to how a dictator takes over a country. He is a cold character who strongly believes the idea of Abigail Williams and the other girls lying is absolutely out of the question. If anyone of these young girls even go as far as claiming the name of someone who might be suspicious, Danforth jumps to the conclusion that this person is a witch. His ability to believe almost anything is triumphed only by his own stubbornness to always be right.
If anyone in Salem, such as Giles Corey or Francis Nurse, tries to help their wife in any way to help them get through the trials, Judge Danforth concludes that the person who is trying to help one of the accused is attempting to dismantle or corrupt the court in some way. It appears throughout the play that the judge believes that his conclusion is suddenly truth with no rebuttals necessary. When someone calls into question Danforth's decision about something that occurred during the trials, he becomes irritated and begins asking the questioner why they do not believe his word..
Danforth controls every single person who decides to (or is forced to) come in his courtroom. Of course, this controlling rule of Danforth's does not apply to Abigail Williams. His incapability to understand the girl's evil way is actually somewhat amusing because Danforth, seen as a intelligent and somber character, when in contact with Abigail will believe anything she says. Danforth is able to interrogate and pry information, true or untrue, out of almost anyone else who enters the court room, but when Abigail is involved, he seems to have a weakness and one could even call it Danforth being shy towards the questioning of Abigail. While the trial is occurring, John Proctor announces to the courtroom that he...

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