In Arthur Millers The Crucible, the beginning of colonization in America had just begun. The Puritans modeled their lives after their very own beliefs. Just like the Egyptians, they dismayed change, but little did they know what sorts of trouble aroused them. In the colony life of a typical Puritan, there were no secrets hidden from others, including no secrets adventures or what not. So, when a couple girls were spotted dancing naked in the woods, witchcraft would be the only excuse. The only problem is no one denied the fact that witchcraft wasnt even performed before their very eyes. Abigail Williams caused more tension with her manipulative actions towards everyone else, which brought more trouble upon herself, than she did in her community.
Abigail Williams used her innocence to convey false accusations upon many people in her village. First off, since word released to the public that Abigail and others were seen dancing, witchcraft seemed like the reasonable explanation to others. However, as the suspected girls denied the accusations Tituba, Reverend Parris slave, claims there were other women, and that the devil wanted Reverend Parris dead. He say Mr. Parris must be kill! Mr. Parris no goodly man! Mr. Parris mean man and no gentle man (p.44). Abigail hesitated and blamed Tituba, where as she turned the story around, inflicting the idea of a devil in their town, who wanted to kill Parris. Then from there on the story begins. Secondly others were being brought into this story, with Abigail and Betty randomly naming the townspeople, they supposedly saw with the devil.
I want to open myself! I want the light of God, I want the sweet love
of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I
go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I
saw goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the
Devil! (p.45).
Abigails drive for revenge led to her blaming every single person in her sight, initially posing a threat to the townspeople. She began to blame others, only knowing that the situation she was in would be a hard one to explain. The innocence that Abigail portrayed made her indictments completely convincing. Abigails manipulative actions took place especially with Mary Warren.
Abigails influence imposed tension in this entire situation, especially on Mary Warren. Since Abby is the antagonist, her puppet was Mary Warren, who seemed very timid and nave. Firstly Mary was the key to exterminating Elizabeth. Mary had created a little poppet in court, which Abby most likely saw. Later that night Elizabeth was being charged for witchcraft, where as the poppet was a model of Abigail, and it just so happened to of twinge her. The Williams and without word or a warning she falls to the floor and stuck two inches into the flesh, of her belly, he draw a needle out. (p. 71). Secondly, when the court date came around the corner, the validity of witchcraft would be tested. In court, Mary Warren was set up against the others, forcing herself to convey a false accusation which soon led to a tragic death. Dont touch me- dont touch me! Youre the devils man! (p.110). The Abigail Effect on Mary gave Abby what she truly wanted, John Proctor to suffer. No one truly had control over this situation; it was a matter of quick thinking and improvisation. If Mary had said nothing, she would have been hung, but do the fact that she is overly nave, and unfaithful, led to John Proctor leaving his Elizabeth, his life, and his child. Not only did Abigail manipulate Mary Warren, but John Proctor as well.
Proctor was the reason why Abigail was manipulative, and overly revengeful. First off, Abigail had slept with John in which both committed adultery. Although only one felt love and that was Abby.
I look for John Proctor that took me from my sleep and put knowledge in my heart! I never knew what pretense Salem was, I never knew the lying lessons I was taught by all these Christian women and their covenanted men! And now you bid me tear the light out of my eyes? I will not, I cannot! You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet! (p.22).
The typical teenager, in any century would take revenge on those who truly broke their heart. However in this case, Abigail feels that Elizabeth should be punished, and in the town of Salem, which she loathes, that could occur. As many assume that Abigail would head on attack Elizabeth, instead she sabotages the entire village, leaving them scarred. Secondly, she charges Elizabeth of witchcraft. Everyone is beginning to see the interest of conflict, which is being sparked up. Since Elizabeth was being pushed out of the picture, many would assume that Abigail would have John all to herself, but she extends her immoral behavior by sending both to court. Lastly when John is in court, numerous signs show that not every story has a happy ending.
Because it is my name! Because I cannot have another in my life!
Because I lie and sign myself to lies! Because I am not worth the
dust on the feet of them that hang! How may I live without my
name? I have given you my soul; leave me my name!(p.133).
This is where Johns loyalty lies, if he did confess then he would be free, but he knew that if he did deny the accusations, then he would redeem himself, by ending all the lies he ever committed. Therefore, eliminating Abigail from his life and finally living a life of peace.
In conclusion, the manipulative actions from the community and even more Abigail were caused by her own doings. However, John Proctor did die, the actions Abigail committed scarred the town, and that was the last of the Salem witch trials. Her goal was to seek revenge and sadly she accomplished that in the most spiteful way, by killing John Proctor. In the Puritan life, fully redeeming yourself was equal to true happiness. Leading us back to Abby, who would in this case, forever be sinned. No predicted it, but it was finally over, the Salem witch trials were just a series of unfortunate events.
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