Research Paper On Abigail Williams In The Crucible

Abigail William the Witch of Salem The Salem Witch trials of 1692 was an event that shaped the history of this country, as well as the lives of those whose wives and husbands were condemned to death. In order for such an event to occur, there must be a set of people who catalyze the event, and others who speak out against it. In “The Crucible”, certain characters help contribute to the rising hysteria of witchcraft, and others contribute to the disapproval of so many wrongful convictions. Throughout the endurance of Arthur Miller's The Crucible, vengeance and the love for John play a big role in the actions and fates of various characters. Since Abigail Williams is motivated by John Proctor, her decision to lie and accused others of

Abigail's fantasy reflects her age..”Gah! I almost forgot how strong you’re John Proctor”(Miller 23). She is a young girl daydreaming about the ideal male. However, she possesses shrewd insight and a capacity for strategy that reveal maturity beyond that of most other characters. Declaring witchcraft provides her with instant status and recognition within Salem, which translates into power.. She threatens the other girls with violence if they refuse to go along with her plans, and she does not hesitate to accuse them of witchcraft if their loyalty proves untrue. Such is the case with Mary Warren.She frightens them enough over her talk of witchcraft and devils in a God fearing town and makes for a scary enemy to have. She tells Betty about her childhood and seeing her parents murdered by Indians. “I saw Indians smash my dear parents' head on the pillow next to mine."(Miller 107). When Abigail is close to getting caught messing around in witchcraft, and her friend Betty thinks about telling on her, she scares Betty. When Mary Warren tells the court that Abigail is lying, Abigail turns on her and acts like the devil is in the courtroom because Mary is lying. It scares Mary so much that she changes her mind and starts accusing John Proctor of devil worship. “I’ll not hang with you! I love God, I love God.” (Miller 110). She does this by accusing others of witchcraft. “I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody

The first major choice that Abigail makes is to reject Mary Warren’s idea to confess to what went on in the woods. Mary tries to convince Abigail to do the right thing. “Abby, we’ve got to tell. Witchery’s a hangin’ error, a hangin’ like they done in Boston two years! We must tell the truth, Abby! You’ll be whipped for dancin’, and the other things.” (Miller 18). When Mary decides to tell the truth in court Abigail 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.” (Miller 107). Abigail makes a smart decision to saves her by making the court believe that the devil is in the room and that Marry Warren is sending him. “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth.Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not run your wits? Beware of it!” (Miller 100). The court believes Abigail, so then Mary Warren jumps back on to the other side so she won't be punished for confusing and John is suspected for witchcraft after this incident. Abigail brought Elizabeth into witchcraft as well, she blackmailed John to go with her, Abigail and run away because she still loves John. John does not love Abigail. “You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet! John, pity me, pity me!” (Miller 22). Elizabeth knows that they had a relationship, she decides to stay with