The Crucible #6

Quote

Proctor: "I have made a bell of my honor! I have rung the doom of my good name-you will believe me, Mr. Danforth! My wife is innocent, except she knew a whore when she saw one!" (Miller 111)

Response

Proctor is running out of options and is getting desperate. He realizes that the odds are stacked against him as Abigail can easily lie her way out of things due to the new found power which she posseses. This statement from Proctor comes after Abigail is allegedly witched by Mary Warren, Proctor is turning to his final option. Following Proctor's confession, Elizabeth is called into court in order to corroborate Proctor's story. Unfortunately, Elizabeth fails to do so because she lies in an attempt to keep Proctor's name in good respect. Elizabeth has made a fatal mistake which has discredited Proctor in the eyes of the court.

Quote

Danforth: "That is precisely what I am about to consider, sir. What more may u ask of me? Unless you doubt my probity?" (100).

Response

Once again Danforth demonstrates that he believes the court is infallible. Danforth uses his beliefs to silence his opposition, every once in a while Danforth will ask if there is doubt of his probity in order to make himself appear invincible. This is a major problem, if Danforth eventually does realize he is completely incorrect in his judgment he will never be able to admit it becuase he has so great a feeling of self importance.