(pg. 4 Educator answers. His court discredited, he would loose his position. He cannot pardon some when others have already been hanged for the same crime. His unwillingness to sign his name to the confession results in part from his desire not to dishonor his fellow prisoners decisions to stand firm. In The Crucible, why does Danforth not pardon the prisoners in Act 4 Samantha is also passionate about art and graduated with honors from Dartmouth College as a Studio Art major in 2014. For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as Latest answer posted November 22, 2020 at 10:36:50 AM. "The American people have lost confidence in . These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. If you don't see it, please check your spam folder. He asks for Elizabeth's forgiveness. Proctors refusal to take part in the ritual transfer of guilt that has dominated the playthe naming of other witchesseparates him from the rest of the accused. Abigail most likely left for fear that people in Salem might turn against her. Danforth believes that granting pardons would delegitimize the court and lessen its credibility. I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! In act 4 of The Crucible, Parris tells Danforth, "You cannot not hang What does he mean? Because I am not worth the dust on the feel of them that hang! Why does Danforth deny Proctor the use of a lawyer? As Elizabeth says to him, "There be no higher judge under Heaven than Proctor is!" What is the most likely reason Danforth refuses pardon? Then, study each item below to categorize each group of words as all synonyms or as a mixture of antonyms and synonyms. Herrick leads the seven condemned prisoners, including Proctor, to the gallows. Danforth orders the hangings to commence. The idea of subverting the court is something that is unacceptable to Danforth, who is more concerned with the prestige of the court and its appearance of being the arbiter of justice as opposed to any other concerns. Even as Parris warns him that this witch hunt might incite a rebellion, Danforth sticks to his word and will not reconsider his judgment. However, he still hates himself and thinks he's not good enough to die a martyr. Why is Elizabeth Proctor accused of witchcraft? 129). Latest answer posted November 22, 2020 at 12:05:25 PM, In The Crucible, explain what Elizabeth means when she says, "He have his goodness now, God forbid I take it from him. Did you know you can highlight text to take a note? hbspt.cta.load(360031, '4efd5fbd-40d7-4b12-8674-6c4f312edd05', {}); Have any questions about this article or other topics? Does John Proctor still, like, totally hate himself? He snatches the signed paper away at the last minute and rips it to shreds, thus sealing his fate. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. 10. What is meant by the competitive environment? This can be seen during the trial when Danforth questioned Proctor as to his intent. For example , there was a knife left on his front door one morning b. Danforth refuses to pardon the prisoners because he does not want to discredit the court on their justification of hanging and killing many people . Get the latest articles and test prep tips! Log in with Facebook Danforth is concerned primarily with his and the courts reputation. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. She tells him that only he can decide whether or not to confess. She also places some blame on herself for the way things went down with Abigail. It would reflect badly on his credibility and suggest he is weak. Accessed 8 July 2023. Who are the experts?Our certified Educators are real professors, teachers, and scholars who use their academic expertise to tackle your toughest questions. The Crucible Act IV Summary. _The Crucible Act IV Questions.pdf - The Crucible Act Source(s) The Crucible/ Act 4 Let him give his lie. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 160+ SAT Points, How to Get a Perfect 1600, by a Perfect Scorer, Free Complete Official SAT Practice Tests. They mistake the bellowing of a cow for the arrival of Satan to carry them away (could've happened to anyone). 2 Why does Danforth deny Proctor the use of a lawyer? John Proctor is the only prisoner Hale hasn't spoken to yet. Danforth also becomes frustrated with Proctor when he won't name names in his confession: "Mr. Proctor, a score of people have already testified they saw [Rebecca Nurse] with the Devil" (pg. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. Latest answer posted November 22, 2020 at 12:05:25 PM, In The Crucible, explain what Elizabeth means when she says, "He have his goodness now, God forbid I take it from him. dominickarossi It paved the way for discovery, Colonization, And honestly it helped almost all of the world be discovered and identified along with the idea's of age old nations that the european's didn't even know about like rome and such to have a profound affect on there culture and way of life I do suggest you double check though. 2 Why is Danforth unwilling to give pardons? John begins to confess, but he falters when he is ordered to sign his name to the confession and learns that it will be displayed publicly. Danforth replies that he cannot pardon the prisoners because twelve people have already been hanged for the same charge and it would not be just. Hale and Parris plead with Elizabeth to remonstrate with Proctor, but she refuses to sway him from doing what he believes is just. In the twisted logic of the court, it would not be fair to the twelve already hanged if the seven remaining prisoners were pardoned. In a play, the major character who faces conflict, drives the action, and plays the hero is the. When Hale urges Danforth to pardon the prisoners, why does Danforth refuse? eNotes Editorial, 17 Mar. John Proctor, pg. He feels his soul beyond saving, so he should stop acting all virtuous and just confess. Why doesn't Danforth pardon the prisoners? Reverend Parris is also supposed to meet with Danforth and Hathorne, so Herrick goes to get him. Renew your subscription to regain access to all of our exclusive, ad-free study tools. Read Hales remarks on his return to Salem, which contrast sharply with Danforths and Hathornes attitudes. Why doesn't Danforth pardon the prisoners? Why did Danforth postpone the executions in the Crucible? A Comprehensive Guide. Log in here. The Crucible Comprehension Questions: (Please used evidence) - Brainly.com 133. ", Latest answer posted March 27, 2020 at 12:59:11 PM. It does not store any personal data. Did the girls really see the Devil or witches? In high school, she earned a 2400 on the SAT, 5's on all seven of her AP tests, and was named a National Merit Scholar. for a group? The Crucible Act 4 & Epilogue Summary & Analysis | SparkNotes This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Act 4 opens with Herrick removing Tituba and Sarah Good from a jail cell so the court officials can hold a meeting there. Elizabeth refuses; she realizes that this is what John needs to do. Proctor has been contemplating making a confession, and he asks Elizabeth what she thinks he should do. This is frustrating to Danforth, and he feels like he has to follow through on the hangings then, or he would be essentially confessing his awareness of the hoax. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Danforth fearsfirstthat he would lose credibility and authority if he postpones the hangings. We're sorry, SparkNotes Plus isn't available in your country. He knows that if he pardons the prisoners , there will be a " cast of doubt " among the people . His stubbornness is connected to his belief that the court should not be in any way compromised in its authority. Danforth identifies himself with the court, so he takes Hales comments as an attack on his integrity. Rather, he does so out of spite because he wants his persecutors to feel the weight of guilt for seeing him hanged when they know he is innocent. "Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now. (1) What does reverend hale want danforth to do? Deputy Governor Danforth refuses to admit that the court is not infallible and that he may be wrong. Beware, Goody Proctor - cleave to no faith where faith brings blood. You'll also receive an email with the link. Danforth explains that Start your 48-hour free trial to unlock this answer and thousands more. Danforth cannot pardon the prisoners, despite Hale's pleas and his obvious doubts about their guilt, because he does not want to "cast . 120). But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Read 'The Crucible Act IV' by Arthur Miller and answer the question. John says he has only refrained from confessing out of spite, not nobility. Danforth makes a few ironic statements in Act 4 as he interrogates Elizabeth and John. Danforth tells Hale that twelve citizens have already been executed, and the town expects the same thing to happen to John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse. Danforth cannot pardon the prisoners, despite Hales pleas and his obvious doubts about their guilt, because he does not want to cast doubt on the justification of the hangings of the twelve previously condemned and on the sentence of hanging for the seven remaining prisoners. By Act IV he is trying to save face by urging them to confess so he can let them off the hook. How many people die in Arthur Miller's The Crucible? Rather than compromise and accept responsibility for the previous executions, Danforth stubbornly refuses to budge and says that he is willing to execute "ten thousand that dared to rise against the law." Parris claims that there are rumors of a rebellion against the witchcraft proceedings in Andover. Study with Quizlet and memorize flashcards containing terms like Why does Reverend Hale try to get the prisoners to confess?, Why are Danforth and Hathorne so intent on getting John Proctor and Rebecca Nurse to confess?, What does Reverend Parris say has happened to his niece, Abigail? By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. In The Crucible, why won't Danforth pardon the prisoners? Parris says he thinks they've boarded a ship, and they stole his entire life's savings to pay for passage. Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now (Miller, 129). Danforth is extremely driven by the sense of prestige and the perception of the court by the citizens of Salem. At this point, even Danforth understands that the whole witchcraft hysteria was probably a hoax, and that he and the Puritan court had sent innocent people to their deaths. His narcissism and supercilious attitude are what drive him to refuse a postponement. In The Crucible, why won't Danforth pardon the prisoners? Latest answer posted November 22, 2020 at 12:05:25 PM, In The Crucible, explain what Elizabeth means when she says, "He have his goodness now, God forbid I take it from him. Why does Proctor confess and then retract his confession? This is enough to get him arrested (and executed under Salems law), but it is not until Mary Warren accuses him of witchcraft that Proctor is actually arrested. 130). He knows his name will forever be associated with cowardice and a lack of integrity. As a result of the trials, cows are wandering loose, crops are rotting in the fields, and orphans are wandering without supervision. The others beg Elizabeth to convince him to reconsider, but she refuses to deprive him of this choice when it's clearly the only way he can break free from his self-hatred. 2 Why does Danforth deny Proctor the use of a lawyer? He has sentenced numerous people to death based on lies about their dealings in black magic, and he has accepted the false confessions of those who would rather lie than be executed. Danforth insists he can't pardon anyone or postpone the hangings. The 5 Strategies You Must Be Using to Improve 4+ ACT Points, How to Get a Perfect 36 ACT, by a Perfect Scorer. He decided not to enter a plea, so that his farm would fall to his sons. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". A fire, a fire is burning! Read on to find out all this and more, including key quotes and a thematic analysis for the final act of The Crucible. Explain This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. While they seek to take advantage of Proctors reputation for honesty in order to support their claims of having conducted themselves justly, Danforth and Hathorne are wholly unwilling to believe Proctor when he says that he has conducted himself justly. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. He, even in the face of truth, is unrelenting and unforgiving. ), but we have to consider the pervasiveness of religion in Puritan society. Danforth refuses because hes already executed other prisoners accused of the same crimes, and he doesnt want to look weak. Both Parris and Hale beg Danforth to either pardon the prisoners or postpone the hangings until confessions are obtained because Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor still have such good reputations, and their executions could cause an uprising. Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. Why is the play called The Crucible? Yeah do whatever you want John. The Crucible Act 4 SummaryShort Version. 1 What reason does Danforth give for refusing to postpone the executions? For them that quail to bring men out of ignorance, as I have quailed, and as Latest answer posted November 22, 2020 at 10:36:50 AM. How may I live without my name? Purchasing What reason does Danforth give for not being able to pardon those who refuse to confess? He goes to the gallows instead of providing a false confession because he realizes his life won't be worth living if he publicly disgraces himself in this way: "How may I live without my name? Hale keeps pushing Danforth to postpone the executions, arguing that it would show that he is merciful rather than weak, but Danforth won't change his mind. Latest answer posted May 16, 2021 at 12:50:01 PM. He reports that Abigail and Mercy vanished from Salem after robbing him. He decides he can't go through the rest of his life after signing his name into disgrace in this permanent way. Abandoned cows are wandering all over the place because their owners are in jail. Expert Answers Curt Southern | Certified Educator As was mentioned in the previous post, Deputy Governor Danforth is an extremely rigid and prideful man. 4 How many people have hanged at this point and why does Danforth refuse to postpone the hangings? He initially felt that he was bringing enlightenment to Salem, but he inadvertently brought destruction instead. In response to a separate question Wednesday about a "two-tiered justice system," Pence promised to "clean house" at the Justice Department if elected. Danforth also knows that pardoning the accused citizens will cast doubt on the previous proceedings, where innocent people were publicly executed. Free trial is available to new customers only. Some of them got so caught up in following the regulations of their religion that they forgot entirely the concepts of grace and forgiveness that were also supposed to be a part of that religion. Parris tells Danforth, "You cannot hang this sort." Educators go through a rigorous application process, and every answer they submit is reviewed by our in-house editorial team. In act 4 of The Crucible, why is Hale so upset. He didn't want to appear weak. Meanwhile, John Proctor continues to feel guilty for his affair and the role it has played in putting both he and his wife in mortal peril. Instead, Danforth claims that he would hang ten thousand people if they stood up against the law, regardless of danger or consequences for himself. Elizabeth tells John that he has to make his own choice on whether or not to confess. Danforth is disturbed to learn from Herrick that Reverend Hale has been praying with the prisoners. To the most devout people (like Rebecca Nurse) in such a highly religious culture, lying about involvement with the Devil might be considered worse than death. Why doesnt John Proctor attend church often? The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. The men bring Rebecca to witness Proctors confession, hoping that she will follow his example. Why won't Danforth pardon the prisoners in act 4 of The Crucible? Why do Danforth, Parris, and Hale each want John and the other prisoners to confess? And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! TO CANCEL YOUR SUBSCRIPTION AND AVOID BEING CHARGED, YOU MUST CANCEL BEFORE THE END OF THE FREE TRIAL PERIOD. And it is my face, and yours, Danforth! This might seem strange to us today (obviously you should just lie to avoid being executed! What is Reverend Parriss biggest concern? That he wouldn't sleep with a teenager? This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The prisoners have lost what little faith they had in the earthly authority figures who have failed them, and they look towards the judgment of God. He says that he does not hold out, like Rebecca and Martha, because of religious conviction. Proctor again replies in the negative. Hale manages to persuade Danforth to accept this and allow John to sign the confession as-is. Scene 3 - CliffsNotes Danforth is extremely driven by the sense of prestige and the perception of the court by the citizens of Salem. Danforth refuses, saying, 'You misunderstand, sir; I cannot . Danforth explains that the villagers expect to see the prisoners hanged tomorrow and if he postpones or cancels their executions, he will cast doubt on the court. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Tituba feels that the Devil is provoked into mischief by the hypocrisy of the citizens of Salem. However, the events of The Crucible provide an all too clear allegory for many modern-day tragedies borne of prejudice, fear, and ignorance. Danforth was a man of rules and regulations, not of humanity. (pg. He says, "My honesty is broke, Elizabeth; I am no good man" (pg. In 1712, the excommunications of the condemned are retracted. John begins to confess, but he falters when Rebecca Nurse is led into the cell and expresses her disappointment. This can be seen during the trial when Danforth questioned Proctor as to his intent. The mood in Salem is, therefore, disturbing and threatening. What does he mean? How does Reverend Hale show his authority? Read an essay about The Crucibles role as a piece of political theater, speaking truth to power. John's destruction of his confession is similar to ripping up a check and throwing it in someone's face when they offer to pay off your debts just to show that their power over you. He asks for Elizabeth's forgiveness, but she says her forgiveness doesn't mean anything if he won't forgive himself. In Act IV, Reverend Hale tells Deputy Governor Danforth that he must pardon the prisoners because they refuse to admit to witchcraft. Parris has already received a death threat in the form of a dagger wedged in his doorway. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. He's been upset lately because he's completely broke. Ask questions; get answers. A deep fear of hypocrisy almost persuades Proctor to confess because he would feel guilty martyring himself next to other people like Rebecca Nurse who are genuinely without sin. John refuses to name any names of other people he's seen with the Devil, and Danforth becomes frustrated. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Months have passed, and things are falling apart in Massachusetts, making Danforth and Hathorne increasingly insecure. Latest answer posted May 16, 2021 at 12:50:01 PM. In act 4of The Crucible, why won't Danforth pardon the prisoners? Elizabeth also displays some guilt in Act 4 when she partially blames herself for pushing John into Abigail's arms ("I have sins of my own to count. However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. pg. Danforth and Hawthorne meet in a jail cell and discuss their concerns with Parris' erratic behavior and Hale's return to Salem. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. Danforth refuses because he's already executed other prisoners accused of the same crimes, and he doesn't want to look weak. Start your 48-hour free trial to get access to more than 30,000 additional guides and more than 350,000 Homework Help questions answered by our experts. In Act Four, Parris attempts to convince. Why does Danforth not allow Proctor to obtain a lawyer? It does not store any personal data. John Proctor, 126. on 2-49 accounts, Save 30% How many people die in Arthur Miller's The Crucible? Wed love to have you back! Hathorne denies that there is any possibility of rebellion ("Why at every execution I have seen naught but high satisfaction in the town" (pg. Parris joins them and reveals that Hale is advising the prisoners to confess. It turns out that Parris told Herrick to allow Hale to see the prisoners. Why does Danforth refuse to pardon the condemned? That fall, Danforth and Hathorne visit a Salem jail to see Parris. Herrick tells the two of them to get out of there. SAT is a registered trademark of the College Entrance Examination BoardTM. Act 3 of the play mainly focuses on the. Parris advises Danforth to postpone the hangings so he and Hale can continue to push for confessions and avoid social unrest. She agrees to speak with her husband, but she doesn't promise to persuade him to confess. A fire, a fire is burning! I hear the boot of Lucifer, I see his filthy face! A fire, a fire is burning! He finally decides he does have some decency within him, and it will be manifested in this final sacrifice. The integrity of the court would be shattered, and the reputations of court officials would fall with it. In The Crucible, why does Danforth not pardon the prisoners in Act 4? 126). 2019, https://www.enotes.com/homework-help/what-was-danforths-reasoning-not-granting-pardons-290210. The officials try to convince Elizabeth to stop him, but she refuses because she recognizes this is the only way John can end his feelings of self-hatred. Why Will Danforth not pardon prisoners? Because I cannot have another in my life! Danforth asks Hale why he has even bothered to return to Salem, and Hale says it's because he can't live with the part he played in condemning innocent people to death. Already a member? Hale asks Danforth to pardon the seven individuals condemned to die, or allow him more time to persuade them to confess. In The Crucible,why doesn't Danforth want Hale to speak to the prisoners. What is the most likely reason Danforth refuses to pardon Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor? It becomes apparent, therefore, that Judge Danforths decision is not entirely rational. Parris also reveals that Abigail ran away with his life's savings, most likely because of the rising societal discontent with the court's activities. Danforth goes on to say that he cannot be seen to be "floundering". Want to improve your SAT score by 160 points or your ACT score by 4 points? The evidence is invisible, and the lawyer would only bring in irrelevant evidence. How many people die in Arthur Miller's The Crucible? The judges cannot force her to commit herself to a lie, and her sacrifice will deal a serious blow to their legitimacy. eNotes.com will help you with any book or any question. Reverend Hale, 122. Lesson Summary Act 4 of The Crucible Arthur Miller's play The Crucible is a fictional account based on actual events during the Salem Witch Trials. Danforth, conciliatory: You misunderstand, sir; I cannot par-don these when . Youve successfully purchased a group discount. Danforth is extremely driven by the sense of prestige and the perception of the court by the citizens of Salem. Hale now appears, haggard and sorrowful. (b) Analyze Why does Danforth refuse to pardon the prisoners? This is an example of tragic irony because Danforth has been trading people's lives for lies this whole time. Why does Proctor confess and then retract his confession? However, you may visit "Cookie Settings" to provide a controlled consent. 2023 eNotes.com, Inc. All Rights Reserved, Essential Quotes by Character: John Proctor, Critical Context (Masterplots II: Juvenile & Young Adult Literature Series), Critical Context (Comprehensive Guide to Drama). Why won't Danforth pardon the prisoners? Why is Rebecca Nurse accused of witchcraft? Hathorne doesn't buy into the idea that a rebellion is fomenting in Salem because the town has been supportive of the executions so far. Pardon or postponement would be unfair and, what's worse, it would make him look weak. Author March 8, 2020 Table of Contents 1 What is the most likely reason Danforth refuses pardon? Parris begs Danforth to postpone the executions of John and Rebecca because they're so well-respected that he's received death threats for going along with their hangings. Log in here. The authority of the court must be maintained and pardoning those set to be hanged would suggest wavering on the part of the court. In Act IV, Reverend Hale tells Deputy Governor Danforth that he must pardon the prisoners because they refuse to admit to witchcraft. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics".