“People at war with themselves will always have collateral damage in the lives of those around them.” In Arthur Miller’s play The Crucible, Abigail Williams is a selfish 17 year old who wants everyone around her to be as miserable as her because she cannot get what she desires most in this world, John Proctor. With this being said Abigail is the person who is most responsible for the Salem Witch Trials. Despite the fact that she is the trigger to the mass agitation which happens in the novel, she is not the only one at fault. The role of John Proctor and Judge Danforth are also to blame. In the beginning, Abigail Williams, Betty Parris, Mercy Lewis and black slave Tituba are seen dancing and what appears to be conjuring, in the woods by Reverend Samuel Parris. Knowing the consequence for this sin is a hanging, Abigail lies in attempt to get out of troubles way. After interrogation from many, Abigail ultimately puts the blame on black slave, Tituba, saying she forced Abby and the other girls to perform the sinful tasks. “She comes to me every night to go and drink blood!’’ (Act 1) Since Tituba is a slave, Abigail knows she has power over her and that people won't believe a slave over her. Just incase Tituba was not enough of …show more content…
After witnessing his niece and daughter in the woods, he confronts her in a somewhat threatening manner. “You have promised my very character. I have given you a home, child, I have put clothes upon your back- now give me an upright answer!” (Act 1). He is the one who encourages Abigail to confess her sin of dancing in the woods. If it wasn't for this, perhaps Abigail would have stayed quiet and not caused a disruption in the town. Another act by Parris is the fear he plants in his town. “There is either obedience or the church will burn like hell is burning!” (Act 2) This causes a disturbance of peace in the town and leads everyone to question and accuse each