How Is Elizabeth Proctor Justified In The Crucible

Defense of Elizabeth Proctor

In the play, The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, Abigail Williams charged Elizabeth Proctor with witchcraft. The evidence presented to the court against Elizabeth Proctor is inadequate and not justified. Elizabeth is a proper and honest woman. Elizabeth is definitely innocent of any allegation of dealing with the Devil.

Elizabeth Proctor lacks any qualities that signify she is a witch. When Reverend John Hale questioned the Christian character of the Proctor’s home, Elizabeth asserted, “There be no mark of blame upon my life, Mr. Hale I am a covenanted Christian woman” (Miller 1301). Elizabeth is a virtuous and honest woman. Her husband, John Proctor, testified of her genuine honest nature. He stated, “That woman will never lie, Mr. Danforth” (Miller 1320). Elizabeth’s statement against Abigail’s charge can be trusted

After Abigail made the claim that Elizabeth’s spirit stabbed her in the stomach with a needle, Ezekiel Cheever went to Elizabeth’s house and found a needle stuck in the stomach of a doll (Miller 1306). However, Mary Warren provided a deposition to the court that admitted Abigail had witnessed Mary sew the doll and stick the needle in the stomach for “safe-keeping” (Miller 1327). Abigail knew Mary Warren would take the doll to the Proctor’s home that night. As a result, Abigail saw this as the perfect opportunity to stab herself in the stomach and blame it on an innocent woman. Furthermore, Abigail lacks any evidence, other than her word, to prove Elizabeth’s spirit stabbed her.

Abigail is seeking Elizabeth’s death by framing her for witchcraft. Abigail is jealous that Elizabeth is the wife of John Proctor and she has become vindictive. John affirmed that Abigail and he were once in love and stated, “She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave!” (Miller 1333). Abigail is trying to have a guiltless woman slaughtered in order to seek