Question

How do Danforth’s and Hathorne’s reactions to Giles Corey’s interruption of the court proceedings differ? What does it say about the two men?
the crucible.

Answer 1

Answer and Explanation:

When they are judging Martha Corey for witchcraft, the lawsuit is interrupted by Giles Corey who shouts that he has evidence that Martha is not a witch and that she has been wrongly accused. To contain this scandal, Giles is taken to another room and some men decide to speak to him, among these men are Danforth and Hathorne who, despite being shocked by the interruption, showed very different reactions, which say a lot about the personality of each one.

Danforth reacts in an extremely calm and focused manner, he does not believe that Corey has enough evidence to reverse the outcome of the trial. This calmness is the result of the reputation that Danforth created in being affectionate with witches, he knows that nobody will stop believing in him to believe in Giles.

Hathorne, on the other hand, does not have such a good reputation and questions Giles for this behavior, as well as reproaching him for "roarin" and causing a scene in court. Hathorne is nervous and afraid that he will not be effective in a trial and that it will damage his reputation.