Crucible HW p.98-113

"In an ordinary crime, how does one defend the accused? One calls up witnesses to prove his innocence. But witchcraft is... an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other" (100) Danforth

This quote reveals two things: the difficulty of convincing that witchcraft is not about and the stupidity of the judges for not thinking that the witnesses may be lying. Judge Danforth had final say on the accusations. This being said, it would be hard for one to convince an old reputation-minded judge to refute his own thinking. Judge Danforth is only looking to assert his power and gain fame. Another thing is that he does not even think about the girls lying. A judge of his caliber, or if he so claims to be, should have put this into consideration.

"There might also be a dragon with five legs in my house, but no one has ever seen it" (104) Proctor

Again, the stupidity of the authorities is unbelievable. How could they not think that all the evidence is fake or unreasonable? This quote also proves once again that Proctor is one of the only sensible people in Salem at this time. Salem is supposed to be a pious town, so why do they not consider as their first thought that one is innocent and once proven guilty, at least consider the evidence faulty? Salem seriously needs to wake up and smell the coffee.

Questions:

1)  Will Judge Danforth begin to consider the falsity of witchcraft?

2) Will Mary Warren crack under all the pressure she is in?