In What Way Does Danforth Define Witchcraft?

In “The Crucible”, Judge Danforth argues that witchcraft is an “invisible crime” that cannot be seen by anyone other than the witch and the victim. He believes that only the witch and her victim can attest to the guilt of the witch, as lawyers cannot be called upon to argue a witch’s case. Danforth explains that victims’ testimonies are crucial in witchcraft trials because it is considered an invisible crime, witnessed only.

In “The Crucible”, the fear and paranoia of the characters during the Salem Witch Trials are represented by the symbol of witchcraft. The play tells the story of the Salem Witch Trials, with Judge Danforth being responsible for determining the fates of those accused. Danforth reads Giles Corey’s deposition and Thomas Putnam is brought into the room, accusing Putnam of prompting his daughter to falsely accuse George Jacobs of witchcraft.

Witchcraft is the most obvious symbol in “The Crucible”, representing the fear and paranoia of the characters during the Salem Witch Trials. The play uses the symbol to reflect the rampant hysteria of the time and the charade Abigail put on for the court. Danforth is temporarily persuaded by Proctor’s accusation of Abigail, but there is no good reason for it.

Danforth reflects his time, an era when many people believed in witches and witchcraft. He believes that the crime of witchcraft is extraordinary and that accused witches cannot even use lawyers because they either are a witch or a man. He is stern and explains that witchcraft is an invisible crime, meaning only the witch and her victim are reliable witnesses.

However, Danforth’s logic about witchcraft and the trials has flaws. In Act Four, when it becomes clear that the allegations of witchcraft are completely false, Danforth refuses to see the truth and hangs. He also argues that only the witch and her victim are the only real witnesses, leaving only the victim for reliable testimony.

Why does Danforth want Proctor to confess to witchcraft?

Judge Danforth requires John Proctor’s confession to substantiate the faltering trials and justify the executions under his authority, as he requires indisputable evidence that one of the Salemites has confessed to witchcraft.

Does Danforth believe that Proctor committed adultery?

Danforth dismisses John Proctor’s confession as unsubstantiated due to Elizabeth Proctor’s lies. John admits to knowing Elizabeth was a harlot, but Elizabeth lies to protect John’s reputation, leading to his death sentence. Reverend Hale loses faith in the witch trials due to Danforth’s zeal and doubts about the girls’ claims of witchcraft. He demands an immaculate proof of guilt, including Rebecca Nurse’s and John’s.

Hale presses Danforth to pardon them when they refuse to confess, but Danforth refuses. Hale sees the court as feared for its brutality and lack of justice, and he believes that the witch trials have become a symbol of the city’s resentment towards justice.

What is Judge 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.

What does Danforth reveal to Proctor?

In a recent development, Judge Danforth has informed John Proctor that Elizabeth Proctor is pregnant. This information has significant implications for the case, as it means that her pregnancy will prevent her from being hanged for a year. Proctor consents to present his evidence, and Judge Danforth notifies him of this information.

Does Danforth know the girls are lying?

In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, Judge Danforth is depicted as a corrupt judge due to his awareness that the accusations of witchcraft made by teenage girls were baseless. Despite the girls’ false testimony and personal biases, he permitted the trials to continue.

Does Danforth believe in witchcraft?

In Act Four, Danforth, despite the lack of evidence to support the false witchcraft allegations, persists in refusing to accept the truth and proceeds to execute innocent individuals in order to safeguard his reputation.

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.

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.

Who does Danforth say can best identify a witch?

Danforth posits that the individual subjected to the attack is best positioned to identify the assailant as a witch.

How does Danforth explain the importance of the victims testifying in a trial for witchcraft?

In The Crucible, Deputy Governor Danforth emphasizes the importance of victims testifying in witchcraft trials as it is considered an invisible crime, witnessed only by the witch and the victim. The court must rely on the victims’ testimonies as the sole evidence, as no one else can witness the crime. Danforth also argues that a lawyer is unnecessary and would be of no help in this particular situation, as it is unreasonable to expect a witch to accuse herself. He believes that victims’ testimonies are crucial in proving the innocence of the accused.

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.