Danforth Character Traits in The Crucible

Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, explores the infamous Salem witch trials of 1692, where innocent people were accused of witchcraft and condemned to death. One of the central characters in the play is Judge Danforth, a powerful figure who presides over the trials. Through his actions and dialogue, Danforth exhibits several key character traits that shape the events and themes of the play. This essay will analyze Judge Danforth's character traits, including his pride, rigidity, and unwavering belief in the integrity of the court, and how these traits contribute to the tragedy and injustice in Salem.

Pride as a Driving Force

Judge Danforth's character is marked by an overwhelming sense of pride, which influences his every decision and action. This pride is evident in the way he asserts his authority and refuses to accept any form of dissent or criticism. For instance, when John Proctor challenges the credibility of the court and accuses the girls of fraud, Danforth dismisses his claims with disdain, stating, "Do you take it upon yourself to determine what this court shall believe and what it shall set aside?" (Miller, 135). This quote highlights Danforth's unwavering belief in his own righteousness and superiority, which blinds him to the possibility of error.

Furthermore, Danforth's pride is also evident in his refusal to admit the possibility of his own fallibility. Despite mounting evidence that the trials are based on false accusations and manipulated testimonies, Danforth remains steadfast in his conviction that the court is infallible. He states, "We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment" (Miller, 124), demonstrating his prideful belief that the court's methods are foolproof and that he is incapable of making mistakes. This unwillingness to admit error ultimately leads to the tragic consequences of the play, as innocent lives are lost due to Danforth's stubborn pride.

Rigidity and Reliance on the Law

Judge Danforth's character is also characterized by rigidity and an unwavering adherence to the law. He is portrayed as a strict and by-the-book judge who refuses to deviate from established protocols and procedures. This rigidity is evident in his response to Proctor's plea for mercy and justice. When Proctor presents evidence that the girls are lying, Danforth dismisses it, stating, "The pure in heart need no lawyers" (Miller, 135). This quote reflects Danforth's rigid belief in the power of the court and his unwillingness to consider any alternative perspectives or evidence.

Danforth's reliance on the law is further highlighted in his refusal to listen to the pleas of the accused. He consistently prioritizes legal procedures and the preservation of the court's reputation over the lives of the innocent. When Elizabeth Proctor begs for the life of her husband, Danforth coldly responds, "Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now" (Miller, 130). This quote encapsulates Danforth's rigid adherence to the law and his refusal to consider the possibility of innocence.

The Integrity of the Court

Another key character trait of Judge Danforth is his unwavering belief in the integrity of the court. He sees the court as a sacred institution tasked with upholding justice and maintaining order in Salem. This belief in the court's righteousness blinds Danforth to the manipulations and lies perpetuated by the girls. He states, "A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between" (Miller, 124), emphasizing his black-and-white view of the world and his unwillingness to entertain shades of gray.

Danforth's belief in the integrity of the court also leads him to dismiss any evidence that challenges the guilty verdicts. When Mary Warren presents a deposition that exposes the girls' deceit, Danforth questions her motives and accuses her of being part of a plot against the court. He states, "Mary Warren, how came you to cry out people for sending their spirits against you?" (Miller, 125), implying that Mary is attempting to undermine the court's authority. This quote demonstrates Danforth's deep-seated belief in the court's infallibility, which prevents him from critically examining the evidence presented to him.

Conclusion

Judge Danforth's character traits, including his pride, rigidity, and unwavering belief in the integrity of the court, play a significant role in the tragedy and injustice that unfolds in The Crucible. His pride blinds him to the possibility of error, while his rigidity prevents him from considering alternative perspectives or evidence. Furthermore, his unwavering belief in the court's righteousness leads him to dismiss any evidence that challenges the guilty verdicts. Ultimately, Danforth's character traits contribute to the destruction of innocent lives and the perpetuation of injustice in Salem. This serves as a reminder of the dangers of unchecked pride and the importance of questioning authority and upholding justice.

Bibliography

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Classics, 2003.