Judge Danforth's Test in The Crucible: Unraveling Secrets

What test does Judge Danforth devise to determine why Abigail was put out of the Proctor's house?

Final answer:

Judge Danforth tests Elizabeth Proctor by asking her the reason she dismissed the servant Abigail. He expected an honest answer revealing that John, her husband, had an affair with Abigail. She, however, lied to protect her husband unknowingly.

In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, Judge Danforth develops a test to uncover the truth behind Abigail being kicked out of the Proctor's house. The test involves Elizabeth Proctor, John Proctor's wife, who is unaware of her husband's confession of adultery with Abigail.

By questioning Elizabeth about Abigail's dismissal, Danforth aims to elicit a confession about the affair between John and Abigail. The expectation is that Elizabeth, known for her honesty, would reveal the truth and justify Abigail's removal from their household. However, Elizabeth ends up unknowingly protecting her husband by lying during the test.

This pivotal moment not only reveals the complexities of human nature but also adds fuel to the fire of the Salem witch trials portrayed in the play.