The Crucible (Mr. Danforth)
BY: Madison & Clay
What commentary does “The Crucible” say about two of the following themes: reputation, power, and revenge? How does the character’s actions, interaction with others, decisions, and/or motivations impact these themes?
Danforth shows his power in act Three when he throws ninety-one innocent people in jail just because they signed a petition that went against the court. Danforth didn't have to do this but he wanted to keep his power in the court and maintain his reputation so he did it without ever thinking about the possibility of the people just signing to save their family. He also showed his power when he wouldn't allow Elizabeth to look at John when they brought her into the courtroom to prove if Abigail had an affair with John. Danforth loses power when John Proctor won't sign his name over to the court. This makes Mr. Danforth and the court look bad because it shows the court system can't get people to confess to what they have or haven't done. Mr. Danforth also loses power when Abigail runs away, because she is the key player in the court case.
What commentary does “The Crucible” say about two of the following themes: reputation, power, and revenge? How does the character’s actions, interaction with others, decisions, and/or motivations impact these themes?
Reputation is a big important part in Mr. Danforth’s life. For him to be in power he has to have a big reputation. Through Act Four he is still a powerful man with a big reputation. For example, when Parris suggests that they should postpone the hangings, Danforth refuses cause that would ruin his reputation. Also, when Abigail runs away he does lose reputation cause Abigail is the main victim in the court system. Also, during act four he is mostly trying to save his reputation by getting Elizabeth to convince John to confess to being a witch. As soon as John is getting ready to sign his name he quickly decides that he should keep his name clean and get hanged. Right here is where Danforth loses all his reputation and also his power.
The Crucible (1996) Trailer