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The Crucible Reflection

Decent Essays

Set way back in the Salem Witch Trials, The Crucible tells the story of young, accused witches and their plot to clear their names. Court trials are held often in order to find who is guilty of witchcraft, and Deputy Governor Danforth is the man that oversees these trials and determines who shall be hanged. This story is one of unfairness and ruining lives, somewhat reflecting that of times such as the Cold War and Great Depression. Many people are hung for activities that they did not undertake, and it is quickly revealed that these people of high power, such as Danforth, will do anything to stay in their highest power. As a massive leader to the people of Salem, the power has given Danforth the ability to do what he pleases at all times, often leading him to selfish results. During the time that John is trying to prove his wife innocent, Danforth says that John wants to overthrow the court. He knows that this is not what John is doing, but he does not want anybody in the town thinking that he is not correct. To keep John from making him look worse to the citizens, he says that a person is either “with this court or he must be counted against it” (Miller 511). Doing his best not to allow Proctor to get what he desires, Danforth vilifies him and makes most of everybody else believe John is on the wrong side of the court. Salem seemed to be a place where the truth is not necessarily observed in a good light. Danforth was a believer of this, and because of the events

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