Who Is Abigail Williams A Dynamic Character

A wise man once told me "Taylor, once your values become clear, making decisions will become much easier." The wise man was my father, who to this day is a man of great integrity and morals, and continues to teach me daily about the values of Christianity and of everyday life. As I go through life, I see that my father's words are true not just in my own endeavors, but in the endeavors of others as well. It is true in fact, that once ones values become clear, making decisions will become much easier. In The Crucible, Arthur Miller throws at the reader a thrilling antagonist, the type the reader grows to despise, but finds totally captivating. This antagonist is the ruthless, yet brilliant, Abigail Williams. Abigail Williams is a young lady

In the first Act, Miller tips the reader into Abigail's childhood, revealing that she has witnessed both her parents be murdered, as she tells the girls, "...I saw Indians smash my dear parents' head on the pillow next to mine..." (Miller 50). As this is still no excuse for Abigail's callous behavior, being exposed to this type of malignity could play into the shaping of Abigail's values and her personality. Another possible explanation could be how according to Abigail, Elizabeth Proctor was going around the village clueing others into Abigail's heathen ways. “She is blackening my name in the village! She is telling lies about me! She is a cold, sniveling woman..." (Miller 54). This may have been the cause for Abigail's desire to purify her name and her attempt to gain a higher social rank. Some parts of The Crucible seem almost biblical, as Abigail's character reflects that of Queen Jezebel, who's story can be found in the Bible in 1st and 2nd Kings. Jezebel was a pagan queen, relentless and cruel, the type of woman who was proud, jealous and strong-minded. In the same way, Abigail's personality reflects that of Jezebel, as she too she was driven by her sexual desires and lust for power, and used her strength of character to destroy those around

The key emphasis was on the righteousness of God, who they thought directed all things according to His will. They were also very partial to the teachings of the Old Testament. To them, humans were born sinful and could not earn goodness in the eyes of God. However, by doing honorable actions and holding strong values, they could be chosen by God as worthy of salvation. Confession of sins was typically a public routine, as one can see when Proctor objects to the courts demand that his sins be written out and nailed to the wall. “...Is there no good penitence but it be public? God does not need my name nailed upon the church! God sees my name; God knows how black my sins are! It is enough!” (Miller 168). Proctor clearly believes in confession of his sins, but sees it unnecessary to confess to those not affected by his wrongdoings. He knows the values of the Puritan church, and when asked if he knows the Ten Commandments, replies, “I—am sure I do, sir.” (Miller 96). Although he questions the genuineness of the church, he knows his religious values and is able to make clear, conscious decisions in the