Judge Danforth Character Analysis

       Judge Danforth Essay

          The Crucible by Arthur Miller is widely known for loosely depicting the accusations given during the Salem Witch Trials, as a hoax. The play essentially supports the idea that the dangers of false evidence, was heavily present during the time of the trials, and it is through these dangers that 20 people were executed. Judge Danforth who plays a key role in managing the courts, and deciding the outcome of the accused, can be considered one of the plays most central antagonists. This is largely due to his reputational ego, his lack of rationality and morals, and his ability to use religion to justify his executions.

          For the duration of the play, Danforth shows constant signs of mild ignorance, this is demonstrated through his lack of responsibility for taking innocent lives, and his refusal to believe that the executed were not witches, even with the strong and clear evidence used to defend them. In the characters introduction the narrator introduces Danforth as a remorseless man, which can be proven through the ways he intimidates the accused in court, and his lack of compassion that he holds towards the executed. Danforth can also be recognized for his hatred towards those who question the professionalism of the court, and it is in this aspect where Danforth can be seen as somewhat of a dictator. “If you are not with the court, you are against the court”(72); in this quote he forces Salem residents to decide if they are with him or against him. Instead of relying in hard evidence, he relies more on reliable witness, this includes Abigail williams, and other young female accusers.

          Another reason why Judge Danforth should be considered the central antagonist of the play, is because of his reputational ego. His character can briefly be described as a prideful man who cares more about his ego than justice. This can be proven to be accurate, based on the fact that he believes that his perception and awareness is flawless, and he becomes insulted when people question his decision making abilities. It can also be proven throughout the play,  when he shows signs of pride and vanity, one of which being his refusal to postpone the executions when confronted by Reverend Parris and Hale; “Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now.”(57). This quote is very important, since it points out that Judge Danforth himself, is a bit hesitant about the trials; however even after being informed of Abigail’s disappearance, and the threats being given to Reverend Parris, Danforth allows them to continue in fear that by not doing so, it would ruin his reputation as a precise and exact judge. His vanity can also be proven through an argument he has with Giles Corey, who attempts to defend his wife: “This  is the highest court of the supreme government of this providence, near to 400 are in jails...and upon my signature....and 72 condemned to hang by that signature”(?). This quote displays Danforth bragging about his power to Corey, showing that he holds pride on the innocent lives he has condemned.

         Although, some may argue that Abigail Williams is the most despicable character in the play, for being the one responsible for starting the Salem Witch Trials, Judge Danforth is the true villain for advancing the trials. He can oftentimes be caught justifying his actions, by using his religious authority to his advantage. This is proven through the fact that he believes himself to be more superior and religious than others in the community. He is also responsible for holding court hearings in churches, and he retorts to the idea that he, along with other religious figures of high power in the town can be possessed by the devil. “While I speak God’s law, I will not crack it’s voice with whimpering. If retaliation is what you fear, know this- I should hang ten  thousand, that dare to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statutes”(?). This quote mentions his philosophy that it is the courts duty to protect the laws of God, and it is through his religious manipulation, that the people believe that it is his responsibility to uncover and protect them from the Devil. This is essentially what gives him local recognition and mutual respect around Salem.

          Essentially it is Danforth’s lack of responsibility for taking innocent lives, his reputational-ego, and his religious power which help to justify that he is the central antagonist, of The Crucible. Aside from being a threat to many of the accused, along with John and Elizabeth Proctor, Danforth also becomes a dominating threat to the entire town of Salem. Although Abigail can be considered the most despicable character, after her disappearance, she leaves Salem in an oppressive state which will persist over time, under the hands of Judge Danforth.

Sources

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Holt, Rinehart and Winston, 2005.