Final answer:
Deputy Governor Danforth exemplifies the theme of self-preservation in Act III of 'The Crucible' by prioritizing his reputation and the court's authority over truth and justice.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act III of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, the theme of self-preservation is exemplified most notably by the actions of Deputy Governor Danforth. As the judge presiding over the Salem witch trials, Danforth is more concerned with maintaining the appearance of justice and the authority of the court than with actual justice itself. For instance, when Proctor brings forth a petition with ninety-one names attesting to the good character of the accused, Danforth issues a warrant for those citizens’ arrest, illustrating his priority of self-preservation over the truth.
This can similarly be observed when he refuses to postpone the executions despite potential evidence of innocence, saying "Postponement now speaks a floundering on my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now." This quote illustrates Danforth's fear of undermining his reputation and the court's decisions, showcasing self-preservation at the expense of justice.