Does Danforth Think That Witchcraft Exists?

In “The Crucible”, Judge Danforth argues that witchcraft is an “invisible crime” committed outside public knowledge, with only the witch and her victim being able to identify a witch. He believes that only her victim would be able to do so, as witchcraft is an invisible crime.

In Act 3, Scene 2, Danforth explains that he cannot even identify a witch unless she directly attacked him. He believes that since witchcraft is an invisible crime, only her victim would be able to do so. Parris tells Danforth that Proctor causes “mischief”, while Hale begs Danforth to hear the evidence. Parris supports the court and gives into the hysteria to protect his reputation.

In Act Four, when it becomes clear that the allegations of witchcraft are completely false, Danforth refuses to see the truth and hangs innocent people to avoid sullying his own reputation. He believes that in most court proceedings, witnesses will be called to defend the accused, but when it comes to witchcraft, Danforth is illogical.

The question also reveals how does John Proctor know that the witchcraft isn’t real, and why doesn’t Danforth believe John Proctor’s confession of his infidelity with Abigail Williams. Danforth’s belief in the seven sins and his adherence to the rules of Christianity is evident in his “ipso facto” speech, which shows his gullibility in believing claims supported by the most dubious evidence.

If it came to light that there really was no witchcraft, the town would go crazy trying to prove who the witches were, even though some of the people believed they were. Danforth’s logic about witchcraft and trials has flaws, as it causes mass hysteria and panic.

Which characters confessed to witchcraft in The Crucible?

Proctor acknowledges the practice of witchcraft, although he declines to incriminate any other individuals. Danforth informs him that the court requires proof in the form of a signed, written testimony. Rebecca Nurse is present when Proctor’s confession is heard.

What is Danforth’s argument?

Danforth posits that individuals are not inherently witches; however, he cautions them of dire consequences should they fail to confess to their beliefs. Proctor, in contrast, asserts that the accused are deceitful and that none of them are, in fact, witches.

Why does Danforth describe witchcraft as an invisible crime?

In Act III, Scene 2, Devonth posits that witchcraft is an “invisible crime” devoid of witnesses, rendering a conviction inevitable upon accusation.

Who believes in witchcraft in The Crucible?

The Crucible is a play set in 17th-century Salem, Massachusetts, based on true events. The Puritans, who believed in witchcraft, were gullible and accused some girls of being witches. To escape punishment, they accused other women of being witches, who claimed they were approached by the devil but did not support him. Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, suggests that witch hunts still exist in American society, drawing parallels between the Salem Witch Trials and the Senator Joseph McCarthy Trials. Miller uses emotional appeals and logic to warn readers of the dangers of mass hysteria.

The Crucible’s theme is that a society ruled by theocracy and status based on religion is bound to fall apart. Salem’s strict adherence to the Christian shurch is evident in everything citizens do, as they use measures of a person’s knowledge and adherence to the religion to judge their character and status in society. They believe that God was provoked by petty causes, leading to the “jails being packed” and punishing citizens who did anything to make God angry. The judges were relentless and naïve in putting accused women to trial and convicting them, believing that the law, based on the Bible, was writ by the Almighty God.

Does Danforth believe the girls?

Despite mounting evidence to the contrary, Danforth remains unconvinced of the possessed girls and is thus unable to confront the truth. He is similarly unable to admit that he has been deceived.

What is Danforth’s logic about witchcraft?

Danforth posits that witchcraft is an “invisible crime,” frequently perpetrated without the knowledge of the broader community. Consequently, only the accused witch and the victim can provide evidence of culpability, in response to Hale’s argument.

Why does Danforth find it hard to believe?

Danforth, an ardent proponent of the integrity of his court, finds it challenging to accept Abigail’s alleged deceit as a significant flaw in his own judgment, which could potentially jeopardize the credibility of his court.

What does Danforth believe?

Danforth is a moralist who adheres to a binary moral system and is perceived as wholly virtuous, despite his role in the deaths. He maintains that, given the impossibility of substantiating allegations of witchcraft, the accused are, by default, presumed to be witches.

Is Danforth good or bad?

In the play, Danforth, despite his intelligence and prestige, is the most deluded character. Despite his intelligence, Danforth reflects the time when many people believed in witches and witchcraft. In 1692, some residents of Salem were skeptical of witches, but Danforth’s ego traps him in believing the girls, led by Abigail, are possessed. He refuses to accept the truth, fearing humiliation and the possibility of people dying. Danforth represents the evil of blind certainty, refusing to accept the truth and preferring to see people die.

Who is blamed for teaching witchcraft in The Crucible?

In The Crucible, the witchcraft-associated hysteria is attributed to various characters, including Reverend Parris and the Putnams, who exploit the hysteria for personal gain. The Putnams’ credibility is undermined by their use of the deaths of their children to promote their agenda. The family blames their midwife, Rebecca, for the loss of children, with Ann being particularly resentful. Reverend Parris, like the Putnams, uses witchcraft as a narrative to pursue his selfish and greedy interests. He is concerned about the public not linking him to witcraft, fearing losing his position as a minister.

Abigail, the real villain in The Crucible, does nothing to stop the witchcraft craze. She initially joins the girls dancing in the forest with Tituba to use the power of spirits to kill Elizabeth Proctor to be with her husband. She is jealous and desires to eliminate her competition, convincing other girls to go to the woods. When caught, she realizes she should blame someone else for avoiding persecution and kills Elizabeth and others.

The Salem witch-hunt in The Crucible is rooted in human qualities of greed, jealousy, and manipulation. The characters in The Crucible contributed to the deaths of innocent people by pursuing personal agendas instead of being diligent members of society.

What is Danforth’s basic argument about witnesses and witchcraft?

Danforth posits that witchcraft is a criminal act that requires only two witnesses: the accused witch and the victim.