Crucible Paper
American Masterworks
2 December 2013
She Means to Murder
It has been said that, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This popular quote directly relates to the struggles of Abigail Williams, the teenage protagonist, because of her lack of guidance. Abigail lacks morals because of her lack of parents and people to love her. Abigail creates hysteria among the people of Salem when she accuses others of witchcraft. This hysteria, in the novel, parallels to the 1950’s Red Scare. Government officials, during the 1950’s Red Scare, accused people of communist activity. Like the government during this time, Abigail fears. Nobody loves Abigail, which gets her a major disadvantage in life. The shortage of love gives Abigail the desire for John Proctor. Though Abigail falls completely for John, he only uses her to satisfy his desires to feel valued. Abigail tries to win back Proctor once he tells her he will never reach for her again. Abigail William’s depravation of someone who cares for her creates the jealous, violent, and vindictive protagonist of The Crucible.
Abigail agonizes from her vindictive nature. Abigail seeks revenge on Elizabeth Proctor for “blackening her name in the village” (Miller 23). Abigail calls Elizabeth a “gossiping liar” but by saying this, Abigail proves herself jealous of Elizabeth’s marriage to John. In hopes to continue her love affair with John, Abigail plans to destroy Goody Proctor. Abigail believes that if Elizabeth no longer lives, then John will come to her. John knows Abigail’s plans and tells Danforth, “She [Abigail] thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave”(100). Not only does Abigail seek revenge on Elizabeth, but also Judge Danforth. In the scene with Mary Warren, Danforth begins to belittle Abigail's accusations and she replies, “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it” (108). Abigail uses her manipulative nature to tear apart the society of Salem in order
2 December 2013
She Means to Murder
It has been said that, “It takes a village to raise a child.” This popular quote directly relates to the struggles of Abigail Williams, the teenage protagonist, because of her lack of guidance. Abigail lacks morals because of her lack of parents and people to love her. Abigail creates hysteria among the people of Salem when she accuses others of witchcraft. This hysteria, in the novel, parallels to the 1950’s Red Scare. Government officials, during the 1950’s Red Scare, accused people of communist activity. Like the government during this time, Abigail fears. Nobody loves Abigail, which gets her a major disadvantage in life. The shortage of love gives Abigail the desire for John Proctor. Though Abigail falls completely for John, he only uses her to satisfy his desires to feel valued. Abigail tries to win back Proctor once he tells her he will never reach for her again. Abigail William’s depravation of someone who cares for her creates the jealous, violent, and vindictive protagonist of The Crucible.
Abigail agonizes from her vindictive nature. Abigail seeks revenge on Elizabeth Proctor for “blackening her name in the village” (Miller 23). Abigail calls Elizabeth a “gossiping liar” but by saying this, Abigail proves herself jealous of Elizabeth’s marriage to John. In hopes to continue her love affair with John, Abigail plans to destroy Goody Proctor. Abigail believes that if Elizabeth no longer lives, then John will come to her. John knows Abigail’s plans and tells Danforth, “She [Abigail] thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave”(100). Not only does Abigail seek revenge on Elizabeth, but also Judge Danforth. In the scene with Mary Warren, Danforth begins to belittle Abigail's accusations and she replies, “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it” (108). Abigail uses her manipulative nature to tear apart the society of Salem in order