Question

What does judge Danforth man when he says: Postponeent (of the trials). Now speaks a floundering (showing confusion or doubt) On my part; reprieve or pardon must cast doubt upon the guilt of them that died till now.

Answer 1

The meaning of what Judge Danforth said in the above question can be coined from the previous statement he made, which says:

"I will not receive a single plea for pardon or postponement. Them that will not confess will hang. Twelve are already executed; the names of these seven are given out, and the village expects to see them die at dawn..."

Step-by-step explanation:

This means that as a result of the twelve that have been executed already, postponement will result in partiality on the part of the executed ones.

Also, the villagers that have received the names of the seven waiting for execution will conclude that the Judge is bias and partial.

Therefore, the Judge's refusal, seemed rational since many others have already been executed. It will seem unjust if those incarcerated and who have been found guilty are allowed to live. Such an action will most certainly result in outrage by the villagers, families and associates of those already executed.