Students will understand what causes the flaws in the justice system in Act III
Truth Justice Lies Morals/Ethics/Values Review of Big Ideas
John Proctor, Giles Corey, Francis Nurse and Mary Warren being a deposition to the court to prove that Abigail’s accusations are false. Danforth and Hawthorne are resistant to hear the deposition as they fully believe in the girls testimony John Proctor reveals his affair with Abigail in a final attempt to get the court to believe him and doubt the girls. Hale pleads with Danforth to let John’s testimony be heard. Danforth agrees and calls in Elizabeth to support John’s testimony Elizabeth denies John’s affair thinking that she is helping him The Act concludes in chaos but with evil overcoming good. What happened…
Danforth: We burn a hot fire here; it melts down all concealment Court does the find the truth. Confident in the system Giles: You’ll find other Christians that do plough on Sunday, if the truth be known Evidence of the paradoxical nature of Salem’s theocracy They allow some rules to be broken? Sometimes? Important Quotes
Danforth: a person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between What does this mean? If you claim evidence against the court then you don’t believe in God and are therefore a sinner and with the devil. Nature of paradox in the community. Fine line…
Danforth: But witchcraft is ispo facto, on its face and by its nature, an invisible crime, is it not? Therefore, who may possibly be witness to it? The witch and the victim. None other. Now we cannot hope the witch will accuse herself; granted? Therefore, we must rely upon her victims’ pg. 90 Demonstrates the logic of the court Makes it very difficult for others to prove the accusations as false Means that there is no way to bring in evidence to prove that witchcraft doesn’t exist. Danforth
Danforth: Now shall we touch the bottom of this swamp pg.98 Danforth is acknowledging that the situation is becoming messy and perhaps difficult to see the truth? It also shows that he does want to find out what the truth is This is why he brings Elizabeth into the courtroom and doesn’t allow her to look at John or Abigail Doubt…
Abigail: Let you beware, Mr Danforth. Think you be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it! There is - pg. 96 Abigail is testing the limits of her power She makes a threat against Danforth Desperation? Or evilness and manipulation? It doesn’t work so then she shifts focus onto Mary and claims she is sending out her spirit. Abigail
Proctor: A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! For them that quail to bring me out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as you quail now when you know in all your black hearts that this be fraud – God damns out kind, especially, and we will burn, we will burn together! Pg. 105 Quail – show no fear (not a bird!) Proctor refers to himself and Danforth as evil and the devil (because they cannot stop the girls) We are all evil…
Proctor: I say – I say – God is dead! Proctor: You are pulling Heaven down and raising up a whore! Hale: I denounce these proceedings! Hale: I denounce these proceedings, I quit this court! Pg. 105 What is the significance of these statements? All is lost…
Everyone has been easily led by the girls and their lies. It takes a strong person to follow their morals and their judgement. Proctor and Hale What has happened to them? Why do you have to be strong? Power?