Abigail Williams Character Analysis: The Crucible By Arthur Miller

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Abigail Williams Character Analysis In Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, the antagonist, Abigail Williams, makes it blatantly obvious to the reader that she will fill the role of villain in the play. Abigail shows no sign of remorse for her actions throughout the entire story which makes her seem downright diabolical. She is so full of revenge against Elizabeth, and lust for John Proctor that it seems as if nothing could stop her manipulation of the entire town. However, Miller gives the reader reason to believe that there might be deeper motivations behind Abigail’s insanity, but does this make her actions justifiable? Is it possible that Abigail acts so brutally towards her peers because of her exposure to such ruthless nature during her childhood? Miller drops an interesting detail on Abigail’s life when she states “I have seen Indians smash my dear parents’ heads on the pillow next to mine, and I have seen some reddish work done at night…” This is intriguing
Being stripped of her parents leaves an empty hole inside her that seemingly can only be filled by her relationship with John Proctor. Abigail enjoys the attention that Proctor gives her and when Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth, threatens their relationship she enters into a violent rage against anyone who might attempt to stop her revenge on Elizabeth. Abigail portrays her desire for Proctors attention after an argument with him when she says “I look now 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! John, pity me, pity me!” This quote by Abigail shows that she is willing to commit any sin necessary to keep John for