Giles is reminded that the court has power to jail or even kill him, “do you take it upon yourself?” says Danforth. We see Giles breakdown repeating that he has condemned his own wife by saying “she were reading books.” He has said her reading stopped him from saying his prayers. The drama and tension here is how there is a sense of good Vs evil in the courtroom. Giles’ constant interruptions show us he is desperate to argue his ease. He reveals his own inaccuracies to us. His removal adds to the drama for the reader as we know the court should alter its view on Martha.
Francis Nurse has been regarded as a respected and valued member of the community, so when he says the girls are liars he uses his faith to support his accusations against the court. The reader learns that the number of condemned by Danforth and constant interruptions from the court suggest secrecy.
Proctor also accuses the girls of lying and pretending. Hale becomes excited to present new evidence from Mary; stating Hale is clearly on proctor’s side. The court becomes uncomfortably quiet and Mary clearly nervous. There is tension with Mary’s confession she’s putting her life on the line against the girls. Danforth becomes quieter; he wants clear evidence and is sympathetic. There is drama in the accusations of a liar and this questions the good Vs evil situation again. Proctor is questioned on going to church to try and show him as having no morals. Danforth is baffled. The reader learns that Proctor does not like Parris. Also, Cheever denounces Proctor. So there is tension in these cases.
Proctor argues the case of being condemned for not going to church. Further evidence is bought against the girls and they must give names to protect themselves. The drama builds as John’s truth condemns him further, he will not lie because of his moral values. There is tension when Danforth tell us Elizabeth Proctor if pregnant and so a child and mother could die. There is now conflict between the court and moral values. Danforth says he will allow Elizabeth life until the baby is born, but Proctor says, “I think I cannot”. He won’t drop the charge for morals. Danforth sees this as a threat and this is where drama is again introduced into the courtroom. The reader is told to believe Proctor, yet we know he has a struggle to prove it. The reader responds to what Danforth is saying even though they no its not the truth and there is no way to change that now. Danforth will not listen because of his views of witchcraft and he hides himself behind the courts name.
Danforth awaits evidence and takes no account of emotions. There is a drama build up in the court when a petition is presented of Proctors wife, their daughter Rebecca and Martha Corey. This is signed by many people of the village and of course is evidence for Danforth. Miller states, “Parris is sweating” showing he is obviously nervous. We, as the reader, become ourselves aware of his nerves from this statement by Miller. All those who signed the petition are now facing the court because by doing this they have gone against the court. Francis becomes uneasy in the position he is put in and also feels responsible; this is all bought on by Danforth’s speech about good and evil in the village. Mary is being pushed to do the right thing. Other testimonies are being given to prove Proctors’ innocence. Giles points out he does not need a lawyer to state the truth. He is an honest man and legal language cannot distort this sincerity, but Danforth wants this. Giles clearly knows the court though.