page 83-98

"Danforth: I pray you, Mr. Parris. Do you know, Mr. Proctor, that the entire contention of the state in these trials is that the voice of Heaven is speaking through the children?"(88).

Mr. Danforth in this passage is somewhat twisting the truth and reasonableness. Mr. Proctor brought up this seemingly unfathomable possibility to Danforth that the girls are lying about witches. Proctor is bringing the up the truth, supported by evidence, and Danforth's response makes this proposal seem outrageous since the trial is based on the idea that the chldren are speaking straight from Heaven. Danforth's idea of what is right is twisted, Proctor's logic and evidence is nothing compared to God speaking through a group of teenage girls. It shows how disorderly this society is becoming.



"Danforth: But you must understand, sir, that a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there is no road between. This is a sharp time, now, a precise time- we live no longer in the dusky afternoon when evil mixed itself with good and befuddled the world. Now by God's grace, the shining sun is up, and them that fear not light will surely praise it"(94).

This quote shows the obsession of keeping up power and titles. Proctor is not trying to go against the court or insult Danforth, he is trying to free his wife and set the truth free about the lying girls. This quote by Danforth is one example of the insecurity of people with high statuses and how much they value their credibility and authority. Danforth's hostility and defense of himself and the court is excessive when Proctor brought up the truth. The town and people in authority would rather maintain their good names than be honest and do their jobs well.

1. Is Goody Proctor lying about being pregnant?
2. Will Proctor's evidence and Mary Warren be accepted as evidence? Or will the court continue along with relying on the thoughts and words of others?