Final answer:
Elizabeth evades Danforth's questions to protect her husband, John Proctor. Her evasion shows her loyalty, love, and willingness to compromise her principles for her family.
Step-by-step explanation:
Elizabeth's motivation for evading Danforth's questions about Abigail's dismissal from the Proctor household in Arthur Miller's play 'The Crucible' is rooted in her desire to protect her husband, John Proctor. She knows that revealing the true reason for Abigail's departure, which was because of an affair with John, would expose their secret and potentially destroy their marriage.
By evading Danforth's questions, Elizabeth demonstrates her loyalty and love for her husband. Furthermore, Elizabeth's evasion suggests that she is willing to compromise her principles in order to protect her family. Despite her belief that lying is a sin, she prioritizes the well-being of her husband and the stability of their marriage over absolute honesty.
This decision reveals her deep commitment to her relationship and her understanding of the high stakes involved in the court proceedings.