Danforth, in my opinion, is one of the most interesting
characters in this excellent play, precisely for the reason that you have suggested in
your question. Having so cogently and authoritively "proven" that the people convicted
of witchcraft have trafficked with the devil, when Mary Warren brings her charge against
Abigail, he leaves himself open to attack from Abigail and the other girls. By giving
the girls such power and authority, and using them as the main "proof" of witchery, it
seems as if he has placed his head in a noose that it cannot be removed from. Note the
way in which Abigail responds to his questions about the veracity of what she has
"experienced":
I have been hurt, Mr. Danforth; I have seen my
blood runnin' out! I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty
pointing out the Devil's people--and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied,
questioned like a--
In
response to this, Danforth replies in a "weakening" tone, that clearly indicates the way
that he is somewhat intimidated himself by Abigail. Abigail, indeed, is so sure of her
position that she feels confident enough to suggest that Danforth himself might be open
to the charge of witchery.
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