The Crucible/Act III: Irony

What does the audience know that Elizabeth Proctor does not when she is brought into court to testify?

• That John has already confessed to adultery with Abigail.

• That John has already told the court that Elizabeth was a witch.

• That the court has already condemned John to death.

• That the court has already found John innocent.

Elizabeth's testimony is ironic because the audience is already aware of what John has told the court. This is an example of:

• Dramatic Irony

• Situational Irony

• Verbal Irony

What is ironic about Mary Warren’s statement, “I--- have no power,” when she is being interrogated in front of Abigail Williams?

• The fact that Mary Warren is, in fact, a witch.

• The fact that the court so easily accepts testimony with no evidence is what makes her statement ironic.

• The fact that Mary Warren is actually the wife of the colonial governor of Massachusetts.

• The fact that Mary Warren is actually a reincarnation of the Devil.

In the beginning of Act III, Judge Danforth asserts a certain legal idea that would be unheard of today. What is the idea?

• That the court is ordained by God, and to that effect, can never be wrong in its findings.

• That the judgment of the court is final and absolute, and whatever he says is the final answer.

• That John Proctor is not in need of a lawyer to defend him, because as a "good Christian", he should be incapable of lying.

• That Reverend Hale should remove himself from the proceedings for disagreeing with Judge Danforth.

The argument put forth by Judge Danforth that John Proctor does not need a lawyer goes against all legal precedent in society today. What would the ramifications be for a judge saying such a thing in today's world?