Irony
1. The name “Proctor” is of English derivation
meaning “one who is in charge,” yet this is ironic
in regard to Proctor’s fate because
he was the victim of Judge Danforth’s inflexible
injustice.
2. The Puritan belief was that “children should be
seen and not heard,” yet the girls
were heard and believed by the court despite their
lies.
3. The primary purpose of the Salem theocracy was
to maintain community unity, yet during the
witch trials
the community was torn apart by the opposition of
neighbor against neighbor.
4. Giles Corey was a talkative man, yet at his death
he only uttered two words, “More weight.”
5. Proctor had committed adultery with Abigail, yet
when questioned by Hale
Proctor forgot
adultery.
the
commandment
dealing
with
6. Elizabeth is portrayed as a truthful woman, yet
when questioned by Judge Danforth
she lies in order
condemning him.
to
save
7. Abby and the girls are
intentions, yet the court
her
husband,
motivated
thus
by
evil
believes them to be totally innocent children.
8. Proctor was displeased when Hale questioned his
religious convictions in Act II, yet at the
conclusion of Act III
calls out an appeal to Hale.
9. In Act IV, Sarah and Tituba are considered insane,
yet the world of Salem
and the court are really the insane world.
10.
Hathorne
and
Danforth
madness in Act IV, yet
discuss
Parris’
by their actions at the trials, they themselves are
mad (insane + angry)
11.
Danforth accuses Elizabeth of being heardhearted toward her husband’s impending death,
yet when Hale asked
him for mercy for the prisoners, he hard-heartedly
refused
12.
At the play’s end, Danforth explains to Proctor
that he cannot accept a false confession, yet by
Danforth’s rules
non-confession means guilt.
Please note, “If that confession is a lie, I will not
accept it. I will not deal in lies, Mister.” See the
conflict in the logic here.