Final answer:
Danforth's behavior in Act IV of 'The Crucible' conveys the rigidity of the court and the prioritization of its reputation over justice, emphasizing the dangers of a legal system that values its own authority over the truth.
Step-by-step explanation:
The message of Danforth's behavior in Act IV of The Crucible is that he represents the inflexible nature of the court and the justice system during the witch trials, showcasing an unyielding adherence to the rules, rather than seeking truth or justice. Danforth's actions depict him as steadfast in maintaining his authority and the validity of the court's decisions, despite evidence that suggests the innocence of the accused.
His refusal to postpone the executions shows his prioritization of the court's reputation over the lives at stake, thereby commenting on the dangers of excessive pride and the potential for legal systems to become more concerned with their own preservation than with serving justice.