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What quotes from The Crucible indicate Danforth is ignorant, biased, and cares more about his reputation than his personal integrity?

Danforth proves his bias in Act Three when he says that witchcraft is an invisible crime, and only the witch and her victim may be aware of it.  So, since the court cannot rely on the witch to accuse herself, the court must rely on her victims to testify, and the children do.  He says, "As for the witches, none of them will deny that we are most eager for all their confessions."  Therefore, even prior to a trial or questioning, Danforth assumes the guilt of all the accused.  Further, he tells John Proctor that it is the "contention of the state [...] that the voice of Heaven is speaking through the children."  He is biased in favor of the girls, believing that they not only speak the truth but serve as God's mouthpiece.


In Act Four, Danforth shows that he cares more about his reputation and authority than he does about finding the truth.  Even after learning that Abigail has robbed her uncle and fled Salem, he refuses to consider postponing the day's hangings to further investigate the possible innocence of those she accused. He says, "Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now.  While I speak God's law, I will not crack its voice with whimpering."  Rather than unearth the truth, Danforth is more interested in maintaining appearances and authority.  He shows, here, that his reputation is more important to him than actually possessing integrity.

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