The Crucible 81-98

Stephen Simmons
AP English 11/Mr. George
12/9/09
The Crucible

"But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no rode between"(94).

Danforth is too focused on the end-goal of this trial and the concluding status of the court system, as well as the church. He went into this trial harboring the most power and say in the final decision, after all he is the judge. However, although he went in strong, he desires to come out even stronger. His job as the judge is to set an example for those who are dumb enough to follow him, and to play the part of an all knowing, all powerful being. Dictating life and death is one method in achieving this. By demanding that people pick sides, he is not only showcasing his power and authority, but attempting to weed out those who realize what is really going on, and execute them before people come to their senses. By forcing people to chose the court or indifferent beliefs, good or evil, Christ and the devil, Danforth is playing the opposing citizens like chess pieces. Knowing that people like Proctor will not side with him, he is able to erase their existence from humanity, before they begin preaching their own gospel and ideals.

"No uncorrupted man may fear this court, Mr. Hale!"(98).

For the first time Danforth expresses the logical half of his brain. No man in the world now, let alone during that time period in the most superstitious place in Massachusetts, is as clean as a whistle. In other words, everyone is corrupt and flawed. This statement is logical because the concept of fear is what fuels the events in this novel. What fear seems to circumnavigate around is the trial. Those going into the trial, use their fear to their advantage. In war or sports games, we often find ourselves using our anxiety or fear as a little "pick me up" or adrenaline boost. Proctor and Giles, both fear death, as any normal human would, but they use it to their advantage, and to face the one controlling institution that nobody else can, the court. Danforth also uses fear in combination with his desire to control society. In the trial the fear of losing his position is overwhelming and so he uses it as an intimidation factor by sentencing people, as well as hanging them.