The Crucible Act Three Discussion Questions Judge Danforth

The Crucible Act Three Discussion Questions

Judge Danforth How would you describe Danforth? How does Parris treat him? How does Hale treat him? Proctor? Danforth is an authority figure. What does his authority rely upon? (Where does his right to this authority seem to come from? )

Moral vs. Legal Authority Arthur Miller is clearly interested in the difference between these two types of authority. How would you describe each, and how is each demonstrated/represented?

Questioning of Witnesses What are the similarities between the questioning of Mary and Tituba? What is the effect of, and motivation for, Abigail and the other girls feigning an attack? As soon as someone offers evidence which questions the court’s authority, that person is immediately suspected of being a witch. What are the consequences of this fact? Danforth states that “a person is either with this court or he be counted against it, there is no road between. ” Why is this faulty/dangerous thinking?

Irony is defined as A. a manner of speaking or writing in which the meaning literally expressed is the opposite of the meaning intended and which aims at ridicule, humor or sarcasm B. the quality of an event or situation which is the opposite of what is promised, expected etc. What is ironic about Elizabeth Proctor’s lie?

John Proctor began Act II very distant and withdrawn from the events occurring in his community, reluctant to join in any fashion. He was reluctantly convinced to speak up by his wife, and then her arrest forced his decision to bring Mary Warren to the court. How has his involvement and willingness to speak up changed in this act? Trace his involvement from the beginning to the end of the act.