Who Is Abigail's Hysteria In The Crucible

In the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller the Salem trials come about in a deeply religious and superstitious society of puritans. The majority of the characters in the play become convinced that the removal of the devils spirit and witches from their community is the work of God. However, there are many intense feuds and rivalries in the small town that arise, which leads to the Salem residents taking advantage of the witch trials to express animosity and to plot the perfect revenge on their enemies. Abigail Williams was the original source of the hysteria in Salem. Abigail's hysteria was fueled by her hatred toward Elizabeth Proctor "She hates me, uncle; she must, for I would not be her slave. It's a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work for such a woman!" (1264) In an attempt to get rid of Elizabeth, Abigail accused Elizabeth of sending her "familiar spirit," (1306). to stab her in the stomach. When In reality Abigail stabbed herself in the stomach with the needle. As a result of Abigail’s jealousy toward Elizabeth When the Salem trials started Abigail accused her of witchcraft, so she would hang. Leaving Proctor to defend his pregnant wife in court against Abigail "But it’s a whores vengeance," (1333).

Putnam denies the accusations " It is a lie." (1323) Giles continues to argue that Putnam is an opportunist "the proof is there! I have it from an honest man who heard Putnam say it! The day his daughter cried out on Jacobs, he said she'd given him a fair gift of land." (1323) If accused of the trials and found guilty the man or women accused was to be hanged. If hanged no property or possession were allowed to be passed down to family members. Judge Danforth was not convinced that Giles was telling the truth. Giles stayed true to his word "He means to hang us all!" (1324) As the end result, Giles was killed for his accusations in the Salem witch