What does Reverend Hale want Danforth to do? In Arthur Miller’s “The Crucible,” the relationship between Reverend Hale and Thomas Danforth is complex and multifaceted. As the Salem witch trials unfold, Hale, a reputable and learned minister, finds himself at odds with Danforth, the rigid and zealous judge presiding over the trials. Understanding Hale’s intentions and desires for Danforth is crucial to comprehending the underlying themes and motivations within the play.
In the early stages of the witch trials, Reverend Hale is initially appointed by Danforth to investigate the accusations of witchcraft in Salem. However, as the play progresses, Hale becomes disillusioned with the proceedings and the severity of the accusations. He realizes that the accusations are not based on solid evidence but rather on fear, superstition, and paranoia. Consequently, Hale seeks to dissuade Danforth from pursuing the trials with such fervor and rigor.
What does Reverend Hale want Danforth to do? Hale’s primary goal is to persuade Danforth to reconsider the severity of the accusations and to impose more lenient penalties on those accused. He believes that the community’s fear and suspicion have led to a frenzy of false accusations and that the trials are causing immense suffering and injustice. Hale wants Danforth to act as a moderating force, to prevent the further destruction of lives and the breakdown of societal order.
Furthermore, Hale desires Danforth to acknowledge the potential for abuse in the witch trials and to take steps to prevent such a situation from occurring again. He wants Danforth to implement reforms that would ensure fair trials and to hold those responsible for the injustice accountable. Hale believes that Danforth, as the leader of the court, has the power to influence the outcome of the trials and to prevent the further escalation of the chaos.
However, Danforth’s own beliefs and biases stand in the way of Hale’s objectives. As a rigid and inflexible figure, Danforth is committed to the idea of witchcraft and the need to root it out from Salem. He is more concerned with maintaining his reputation and upholding the church’s authority than with the well-being of the accused or the community. This conflict between Hale’s moderate stance and Danforth’s zealous pursuit of witchcraft ultimately leads to the tragic conclusion of the play.
In conclusion, what does Reverend Hale want Danforth to do? Hale seeks to persuade Danforth to act as a moderating force, to reconsider the severity of the accusations, and to implement reforms that would prevent further injustice. However, the clash between Hale’s moderate beliefs and Danforth’s rigid adherence to the church’s doctrine ultimately results in the downfall of Salem and the tragic loss of innocent lives. The play’s exploration of this conflict serves as a powerful critique of the dangers of blind faith and the consequences of rigid adherence to beliefs, regardless of the evidence or the cost.
