crucible homework page 98-113

Quote 1: "Excellency, I have signed seventy-two death warrants; I am a minister of the Lord, and I dare not take a life without there be a proof so immaculate no slightest qualm of conscience may doubt it." -Hale (page 99)

Explanation: Hale says this quote after Proctor hands Danforth the deposition. The quote is a plea to Danforth to look upon the evidence with a keen eye and to only convict those convicted on hard evidence. This is out of character for him; prior to this court scene, he was interrogating the Proctors on their knowledge of the 10 commandments. It seems that he has begun to regret starting this witch hunt.

Question: Knowing that he regrets that 72 people may die due to him, will he help defend any of the accused?

Quote 2: "His first real outburst, in which his contempt for Parris is clear: Mr. Parris, I bid you be silent! He stands in silence, looking out the window. Now, having established that he will set the gait: Mr. Cheever will you go into the court and bring the children here? Cheever gets up and goes out upstage. Danforth now turns to Mary. Mary Warren, how came you to this turnabout? Has Mr. Proctor threatened you for this deposition?" -Danforth (page 101)

Explanation: This quote comes from Danforth's response after reading the deposition and Parris butts in. It is clear that he is somewhat agitated from the letter of deposition. And later in the quote the first thing he asks Mary Warren is, "has Mr. Proctor threatened you?" This shows Danforths agitation in Mr. Procotor's attempt to "go against the court." And with this it can be deducted that Danforth is worried about his reputation because people are questioning his verdicts. His actions may be affected by this desire to protect his reputation.

Question: "Knowing that Danforth has a desire to protect his reputation how will this affect how he deals with people trying to overturn his verdicts?