Examples Of Elizabeth's Reputation In The Crucible

One’s reputation can be the reason for nineteenth people being hanged. This tragic event known as the Salem Witch Trials is a major historical incident. The Salem Witch Trials is the main plot in The Crucible by Arthur Miller. The Crucible is set in Salem, a Puritan town. Puritans are strict with their beliefs and consider multiple normalities such as dancing, a sin. In the beginning of the play, Abigail Williams, a teenage girl, and five other girls were caught dancing in the woods, having known that it was a sin. From the fear of getting whipped, they lied about being involved with witchcraft. Abigail soon lies and accuses Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft because she was jealous of her. The reason for her jealousy is that Elizabeth is married

Danforth speaks the truth about his values; he would rather continue on with the hangings than stop the trials to avoid any doubt in his name. In spite of knowing deep down that all the accusations of witchcraft were false, he refuses to recognize the truth. The purpose of his denial to postponing the trials comes from the theory that he will get blamed for the twelve hangings that had already taken place. Throughout the trials, examples of Danforth’s devious acts are constantly shown, in particular the scene of him attempting to get John Proctor to sign his testimony of witchcraft. While trying to get Proctor to sign his name, Judge Danforth exclaims, “Mr. Proctor, I must have good and legal proof that you-” (Miller 1231). Judge Danforth's only reason for why he wants physical evidence of John Proctor’s confession is to prove to the people of Salem that his reason for the hangings are valid. He believes that if he has John’s name signed to his testimony it makes the trials appear logical. Elaborating on why it would add legitimacy, is because Mary Warren, the Proctor’s servant, previously accused John of witchcraft, causing his denial would cause a conspiracy in this whole case. The denial of postponement, and wanting John’s signature is all based on the opinions people of Salem will have of him. Correspondingly, he wants the approval of others so

She even threatened the other girls to not tell the truth because she knows it would make the town see her as she really was: a manipulative liar. The significance of this quote is that Abigail follows her initial instinct to clear her name without giving a thought about who might get hurt in the process. This lets readers acknowledge that Abigail is committed to do anything to be considered as a good person. Another occurrence that presents Abigail's motives is the bird scene after John’s confession to the