ne character that seemed to fall into the social trap of hypocrisy is Judge Danforth. When questioning Mary Warren about her sudden decision to tell the truth, Danforth ridicules Mary when saying, "How were you instructed in your life? Do you not know that God damns all liars?" (94). The Judge sees himself as part of the "elect" which is why he believes everyone else to be ignorant. For this same reason, is unable to see his error in forcing people to lie to save their lives. When Reverend Hale fails in his attempt to pardon the accused, Danforth states, "I cannot pardon these when twelve are already hanged for the same crime. It is not just," (119). Danforth sees himself as high enough in society that he has the God-given gift to decide what will benefit the community. The Judge believes he is showing compassion in deciding what is "just" but is ignorant to the fact that this "justness" only causes unneeded deaths. Danforth's pride causes him to be blind toward his blatant hypocritical accusations.
Another main character that inherits the contagious disease of hypocrisy in Salem is Reverend Paris. When told that his niece, Betty, is in such dire condition because of "unnatural causes," Paris quickly explains, "No--no. There be no unnatural causes here. Let him look to medicine and put out all thought of unnatural causes here. There be none," (9). The Reverend's severe case of denial disables his ability to consider all causes of the problem. He quickly denotes the possibility of witchcraft because he believes the any person from his lineage is not susceptible to it. In the court while interrogating Mary Warren about fainting and ultimately looking for a way to accuse her of witchcraft, he exclaims, "Then you will confess, will you not?" (99). Paris is such a weak character that
