Final answer:
Danforth's immediate pursuit of executions reflects a rigid interpretation of the law, where upholding its authority takes precedence over individual fairness, and justice is served as expediency and retribution rather than a measured consideration of context and potential error.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idea about the law conveyed by Danforth's determination to proceed with the executions immediately is one of rigidity and inflexibility. This stance suggests that the law must be upheld at all costs, even if that leads to the execution of individuals in a swift and potentially unjust manner. The implication is that maintaining the authority and perceived sanctity of the law is more important than the consideration of individual circumstances or the possibility of error.
In the context of historical events and literary representation, such as the Salem Witch Trials or the portrayal of justice in Shakespeare's Macbeth, these attitudes reflect a society that favors expediency over fairness, often justifying actions under the guise of political justice or retribution. Reference to the Supreme Court upholding the death penalty as a form of retribution further emphasizes the complex nature of law and justice, where legal decisions must balance individual rights against societal needs for safety and order.