Question

How is it possible that Danforth is so deluded in Act 3? Explain why he cannot see the truth. To the audience, it all seems so simple. We think, surely, we could have stopped this madness. Consider how the hysteria has spread, and who is responsible.

Answer 1

This question is about "The crucible".

Answer:

Danforth is deluded because he believes that arresting, torturing and murdering people is how God wants him to act.

Explanation:

Danforth is in a privileged position in society, which gives him the power to do what he wants and to believe in his own concepts. It was created within concepts that defended white supremacy, the submission of women, the sinful and diabolical nature of women and among other factors, which made it grow believing that God wanted society to act in this way, which we know is not true, because we live in an age when these concepts are fought and shown to be incorrect.

However, Danforth's time was not like that and he believed that arresting, torturing and killing people falsely accused of witchcraft was the right way to act according to God's will. Furthermore, the people being accused were not guilty of anything and were being victimized by the lying Abigail and Danforth didn't notice any of this.