Abigail Williams: A Villain And A Victim

Sophie Trieu
Ms. DelaCruz
English 3
March 30, 2023 Abigail Williams; a Villain and a Victim Have you ever told a lie that caused another person trouble? Abigail, the main antagonist of American author Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, does just this; however, the consequences of her deceit are far more harmful than most. Although she is a victim of inequality and abuse due to the time period the play takes place in, it does not excuse her undeniably manipulative behavior. Throughout the play Abigail lies to conceal her ever growing web of falsities, escape charges of witchcraft, and dispose of anyone who poses a threat to her. She uses deliberate language to present an innocent and pious front. These are only a few examples of her devious actions. Early in the play, Miller reveals that John Proctor and Abigail Williams had an affair. Later when they are accused of it in court, Proctor testifies the truth. In act 3 he

As someone living in close quarters to Elizabeth and John Proctor, she is very influential in court when their devoutness is questioned. She also knows the truth about Abigail's fabrication. When she testifies against Abigail’s claims in court, Abigail responds by accusing her of witchcraft. She says, “Oh, Mary, this is a black art to change your shape. No, I cannot, I cannot stop my mouth; it’s God’s work I do.’” (3.442). At this point in the play, Abigail has managed to obtain a position of power in the court. In this quote she pretends that Mary Warren has changed shape into a bird that coincidentally only the girls who are conspiring with Abigail can see. She does this because Mary starts to expose her as a liar so she manipulates the court into believing that Mary is working with the devil. She even uses specific language like “black art” and “God’s work” because they are distinct words that she knows would get a reaction out of the religious court