Also, Judge Danforth and Hathorne want Proctor to sign a written confession to corroborate the court's integrity and the justification of their actions. Danforth urges Proctor to confess as he says that "[he] must have good and legal proof" that admits Proctor's status as a witch (143). As a theocratic institution, the court symbolizes righteousness and justice. Although there are already twelve mistaken hangings of the innocent people, the judges do not admit the allegations of witchcraft are false because they will completely shatter the integrity of the court. Thus, he desperately looks for a proof that proves that the court is intact. When Proctor refuses to sign the confession, Danforth becomes distressed and vociferates, "Do you sport with me? You will sign your name or it is no confession, Mister" with "agonized breathing" (142). Unwilling to let Proctor keep his integrity, he starts to threaten him. At this moment, the mood suddenly shifts to create tension between people and anxiety. When Proctor decides to confess, Judge Danforth and Hathorne's astonishment and eagerness expose their intentions to make the administrators' blindness seem like wisdom. Danforth, Hathorne, and Parris enter in "a businesslike, rapid [manner], as though the ice had been broken" as soon as Proctor agrees to confess (138). Arthur Miller uses imagery to depict the church official's excitement and amazement at Proctor's decision although they should always be calm and solemn. Hathorne is particularly surprised and "rushes out the door, and his voice is heard calling down the corridor: [Proctor] will confess!" (138) His surprise acknowledges that he, as well as the other judges, knows Proctor is innocent. However, they intentionally condemn Proctor so that their reputation will not flounder. Instead, the reputation of God, the government, and the officials will rise as Proctor's "weighty name" is confessed with witchcraft (137).