The crucible, based during the Salem, Massachusetts witch trials of 1692. A constant theme through out the play is your personal reputation, maintaining a good name. Judge Danforth a well respected man in the society that has the supreme rule over the court. He is known for making the right decisions and never going against them. Innocent and guilty people have been put to death underneath his Judgement, to him this demonstrates his superiority and power. Along with the final say in the putting to death of people during the Salem witch trials. Miller portray’s Danforth’s characterization as stubborn, highly religious, and arrogant in order to to provide a clearer understanding. Judge Danforth wants to keep the full respect of the people, and therefore is stubborn on any decision he makes in the court, so he …show more content…
These are reminders of his power and a certain amount of respect he thinks he deserves. “You surely do not doubt my justice?”(89). Danforth makes this remark is response to the doubt people are having towards him. This question is more to make a point of his high power. “Do you know who I am? Danforth is speaking towards Francis Nurse. And proceeds to say "And do you know that near to four hundred are in the jails from Marblehead to Lynn and upon my signature?” and lastly says “And seventy-two condemned to hang by that signature?”(103). Mr. Danforth uses another rhetorical question when people continue to question his authority. He then goes into death of what he has done and can do. This is where he comes into being arrogant. Judge possesses great power as the Judge in the Supreme Court, and he exercises them by sentencing people to prison or more largely to be hung. These actions and words are necessary to keep the people of Salem in the societies rules. Along with seen through Danforth eyes as part of his was of maintaining respect with a little