Table of Contents
- 1 What reason does Danforth give for refusing to postpone the executions?
- 2 Why is Danforth unwilling to give pardons?
- 3 Which sentence best explains why Danforth responds so angrily to Hale’s point of view in the following passage from Act III of The Crucible?
- 4 How many people have hanged at this point and why does Danforth refuse to postpone the hangings?
- 5 Why does Hale say there is fear in the country and how does Danforth respond?
- 6 Why does Judge Danforth refuse to postpone the executions?
- 7 Is Judge Danforth’s decision rational?
What reason does Danforth give for refusing to postpone the executions?
Danforth refuses because he’s already executed other prisoners accused of the same crimes, and he doesn’t want to look weak. They decide to bring in Elizabeth Proctor so she can talk to John and hopefully convince him to confess before he is sent to the gallows.
Why is Danforth unwilling to give pardons?
Simply put, Danforth refuses to grant a pardon because he is afraid it will perceived as weakness of the court. Danforth is extremely driven by the sense of prestige and the perception of the court by the citizens of Salem. This can be seen during the trial when Danforth questioned Proctor as to his intent.
What motivates Danforth to insist that the executions take place?
He promises that, if there is a rebellion, he would likewise punish rebels with death. In other words, then, Danforth would rather hang thousands in order to maintain his power rather than save the lives of innocents and risk losing that power.
Why does Rev Parris want the hangings postponed Why does Danforth disagree?
Parris wants Danforth to postpone, not cancel, the hangings. He is still just looking out for himself because there was a knife in his door one morning. He is worried that the town will rise up and blame him.
Which sentence best explains why Danforth responds so angrily to Hale’s point of view in the following passage from Act III of The Crucible?
Which sentence best explains why Danforth responds so angrily to Hale’s point of view in the following passage from Act III in The Crucible? Danforth identifies himself with the court, so he takes Hale’s comments as an attack on his integrity.
How many people have hanged at this point and why does Danforth refuse to postpone the hangings?
How many people have hanged already, and why does Danforth refuse to postpone any hangings? 12. He cannot pardon some when others have already been hanged for the same crime. It will make him look week.
Why does Rev Parris want to postpone the hangings?
Reverend Parris wants to delay the executions because he fears rebellion, and — probably, just as he feared the loss of his own credibility and authority at the beginning of the play, he likely fears the same thing again. Finally, Parris wants to delay executions because he fears for his own life.
What reason does Danforth give for not being able to pardon those who refuse to confess?
“I am not your judge, I cannot be.” What does Proctor do after signing his confession? What can you conclude from the references made to Andover? What does Parris reveal about Abigail and Mercy Lewis in the beginning of Act IV?
Why does Hale say there is fear in the country and how does Danforth respond?
Hale: There is a prodigious fear of this court in the country— . . . Danforth, angered now: Reproach me not with the fear in the country; there is fear in the country because there is a moving plot to topple Christ in the country! Hale: But it does not follow that everyone accused is part of it.
Why does Judge Danforth refuse to postpone the executions?
The mood in Salem is, therefore, disturbing and threatening. In light of all of the above, Judge Danforth stubbornly refuses to postpone the executions. He states that: I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. Them that will not confess will hang.
What drives Danforth to refuse a postponement?
His narcissism and supercilious attitude are what drive him to refuse a postponement. Like so much in Danforth’s attiude, he refuses to accept any premise that would bring questioning and doubt to the nature of the court. In some senses, Danforth has brought forth the idea that he refuses to let anything question his court.
What is Judge Danforth’s reticence informed by?
His reticence is informed by his arrogance and dictatorial nature. Judge Danforth will not have any accusatory finger pointed at him. He is not prepared to admit to his mistakes and accept that he has failed the community of Salem. He, even in the face of truth, is unrelenting and unforgiving.
Is Judge Danforth’s decision rational?
It becomes apparent, therefore, that Judge Danforth’s decision is not entirely rational. Because he is the chief presiding officer, any changes to the judgments he has passed will be a reflection of his character and judgment. Since he has not permitted anyone to question his abilities in this regard, he will not allow it now.