What does the fact that Danforth is offended tell us about his character? Francis says that the girls have deceived the court, this offends Danforth because he has 400 people in jail and 72 people being hung. The fact that he is offended tells us that Danforth thinks highly of himself.
Proctor tells Danforth that Mary Warren did not see spirits. Although Danforth refuses to accept Mary Warren's signed deposition, he does agree to talk with her. Danforth asks Mary Warren about the spirits that she saw. She tells him that she and the other girls only pretended to see spirits.
Mary Warren is in court because Proctor needs her to tell the court the truth and free his wife. Danforth is suspicious because this is the first he's heard of this and he doesn't believe everyone could have lied. Mary tells Danforth that she was lying and that all of the girls are lying.
Why does Danforth not allow Proctor to obtain a lawyer? The evidence is invisible, and the lawyer would only bring in irrelevant evidence.
Why does Danforth hesitate to accept Mary Warren's statement that her prior testimony was pretense (false). Mary Warren is saying that all the girls were pretending to see spirits. If Danforth believes her it will make the entire case go out of control.
How does Mary respond when Danforth asked her to explain the "crying out? Mary admits that the girls were faking. What does Danforth do with the list of people supporting Rebecca and Martha?
Danforth and Hathorne are attempting to get Proctor to drop the charge that Mary Warren has lied by telling Proctor his wife is pregnant. They say if she is truly pregnant, they will keep her alive for at least a year.
Danforth represents the evil of blind certainty in the play: he refuses to accept the truth because to do so would humiliate him. He'd rather see people die.
When Danforth hears that Elizabeth is pregnant, what does he allow? He allows her time to see if her " natural signs" appear. If they do not, and she is truly pregnant, he will allow her one year before she is hanged , to have her baby.
Hale now appears, haggard and sorrowful. He begs the men to pardon the prisoners because the prisoners will not confess. Danforth replies that postponement or pardons will cast doubt not only on the guilt of the seven remaining prisoners but also on that of the twelve who have hanged already.
Why does Danforth not allow Proctor to obtain a lawyer to defend himself from Mary Warren's deposition? Danforth claims that the evidence against those accused is invisible and that a lawyer would only call extraneous witnesses.
What does Danforth think Mary Warren's appearance in the court might be? Danforth thinks it might be the devil trying to prevent the court from doing its religious duty.