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Examples Of Jealousy In The Crucible

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Jealousy and revenge destroys the Christian character of the Salem community.
ELIZABETH: It is her dearest hope, I know it. There be a thousand names; why does she call mine? There be a certain danger in calling such a name--I am no Goody Good that sleeps in ditches, nor Osburn, drunk and half-witted. She’d dare not call a monstrous profit in it. She thinks to take my place, John. (Miller, 58)
Elizabeth points out that Abigail accusing her is motivated by jealousy and the possibility of getting Proctor from her. Abigail’s jealousy is what sets the whole motion of witch trials. Her jealousy is a small fire that is set to kill innocent people's lives but she is not alone. Thomas Putnam does the same thing. “GILES: ...If Jacobs hangs for a witch he forfeit up …show more content…

And there is none but Putnam with the coin to buy so great a piece. This man is killing his neighbors for their land!” (Miller, 89). People start to use the witchcraft trials to their advantage. Putnam, for example, uses his daughter to accuse George Jacobs, an old man who can barely walk, of witchcraft by stating that he flew to her window in the middle of the night. By doing this, the vindictive Putnam gains land like others do too to their advantage. Abigail, Putnam, and other characters from The Crucible find the witch trials beneficial. The jealous Abi finds her way out of trouble by accusing other people. With this power in hand, she attacks Elizabeth with accusation because of her lingering jealousy and lust for Proctor. Meanwhile, the vindictive Putnam who regards himself superior of most of the people around him, is thirsty for land and power.

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