Danforth states that in a normal case when a person stands accused, they can call witnesses to prove their innocence. However, witch craft is "an invisible crime." There will be no witnesses to the crime, except the afflicted. A witch would not accuse herself, so the court must rely on testimony of those afflicted by the witches. It is easy to see how foolish this is, for who is to say that the afflicted are telling the truth? That is a major blunder the court makes over and over again.
Mary's testimony is destroyed when Danforth calls for her to fake a fainting spell. Remember, she accuses the girls of faking their fits in court. However, when the time comes, for whatever reason, Mary is unable to fake fainting. This proves to Danforth and the court that she is unreliable.
Proctor's admission of the affair doesn't end Abigail's control because Elizabeth lies to the judge about the affair. Had his wife said she fired Abigail because she had an affair with John, Abigail's credibility would have been ruined. However, when she lies to save John's reputation, that just gives Abigail even more power.
The importance of Proctor's last speech is that by dying he is able to save himself. Had he faked a confession, he would have lost his dignity and respect. He would also have be damned (for lying). However, by refusing to lie and sign the confession he is really saving himself.
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