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Proctor. I—I have no love for Mr. Parris. It is no secret. But God I surely love.

Cheever. He plow on Sunday, sir.
Danforth. Plow on Sunday!
Cheever (apologetically). I think it be evidence, John. I am an official of the court, I cannot keep it.
Proctor. I—I have once or twice plowed on Sunday. I have three children, sir, and until last year my land give little.
Giles. You’ll find other Christians that do plow on Sunday if the truth be known.
Hale. Your Honor, I cannot think you may judge the man on such evidence.
Danforth. I judge nothing. (Pause. He keeps watching Proctor, who tries to meet his gaze.) I tell you straight, Mister—I have seen marvels in this court. I have seen people choked before my eyes by spirits; I have seen them stuck by pins and slashed by daggers. I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me. Do you understand my meaning?

Identify an example of dramatic irony in the section above and explain its effect on the audience in two to three sentences.

An example of dramatic irony in the section above is when Danforth says, "I have until this moment not the slightest reason to suspect that the children may be deceiving me." The audience is aware that the children are indeed deceiving Danforth, as the audience has seen their manipulative and dishonest behavior throughout the play. This creates tension and suspense for the audience, as they know that the truth is being withheld from the judge.