In the Crucible, Arthur Miller establishes the universal theme that good does not always prevail .
This theme clearly identifies with the character of Deputy Governor Danforth. Throughout the play, Danforth's traits transition from desirable to undesirable, which illustrates how good does not always .
win in the end. Three major transitions seen in Danfoth's character are his objectivity, his concern for the .
court, and the way in which he deals with other people. .
When Danforth makes his first appearance in Act Three, he comes across as a relatively objective .
man. For example, when Giles enters the court, he reprimands him for disrupting the proceedings, but .
insists that the court "let him submit his evidence." (80). His open mind allows him to listen to the reasons .
that Giles, Proctor, and Francis Nurse give about why their wives should be released. Miller emphasizes .
Danforth's impartiality when he continues to listen to the testimony even after Judge Hawthorne .
automatically jumps to the conclusion that the testimony "is contempt." (80). He also rebuffs a similar .
accusation by Reverend Paris that "they've come to overthrow the court" (86) and asks Parris and .
Hawthorne to be at "peace" (80) so that he can hear the three men out. When Proctor refuses to let the .
matter drop after he learns of Elizabeth's pregnancy and the possibility that she will live for another year, .
the first change in Danforth's personality surfaces. Miller describes Danforth's voice as having "an almost .
imperceptible hardness" (88) when he acknowledges that Proctor's "purpose is somewhat larger" than just .
saving his wife. From this point, the partisan inclinations begin to occur in increasing amounts. For .
instance, Danforth cuts Proctor off when he tries to explain that he does not wish to undermine the court and .
hears the rest of the evidence presented "with deep misgivings" (92), rising suspicion and anger.
