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Why Is Abigail Williams Important In The Crucible

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The Progenitors of the Salem Witch Trials
It is known that a person would lie to save themselves rather than confess the truth and avoid placing the blame on others, despite the consequences. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Abigail Williams is caught dancing in the woods by her uncle, Reverend Parris. When Abigail is accused of dancing in the woods, she blames the house slave, Tituba, of forcing Abigail and Parris’ daughter Betty to conjure spirits, which then starts the Salem Witch Trials. Abigail, Betty, and Judge Danforth are responsible for starting the Salem Witch Trials. Abigail started the acquisitions regarding witchcraft in Salem by trying to save herself from punishment for dancing in the woods. “I never called him! Tituba, Tituba…” Miller (44)
This displays Abigail’s response to accusations, …show more content…

She lied as much as Abigail and withheld important information that easily could have been used against Abigail in the trial. “You drank blood, Abby! You didn’t tell them that!” Miller (20). She then clarifies why Abigail drank the blood. “You did, you did! You drank a charm to kill John Proctor’s wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!” Miller (20). If she had testified against her cousin many people would have survived the Salem Witch Trials.
Judge Danforth played a decent sized role in the trials, being that he is the judge, he is also the person who decides the fate of others. Even if people are bringing in new evidence he quickly becomes defensive about it, most likely he does not want to take in new information because he would have to reevaluate the case. “No uncorrupted man may fear this court, Mr. Hale! None! (To Giles.) You are under arrest in contempt of this court. Now sit down and take counsel with yourself, or you will be set in the jail until you decide to answer all questions.” Miller

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