Similarities Between Elizabeth Proctor And Abigail Williams

Throughout The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a series on witch trials occur that creates mass hysteria in the town of Salem, Massachusetts. Abigail Williams, one of the main characters, fabricates the lies that begin the witch hunt in her attempt to divert everyone's attention towards her including the attention of John Proctor. In the play, Proctor has an affair with young Abigail while his wife goes through postpartum depression causing Abigail to fall in love with him but John returns to his wife Elizabeth. While Elizabeth Proctor barely forgives him, John does all he can to make it up to her. Unfortunately, the biggest consequence of the affair is not the loss of security, but when Abigail accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft. Elizabeth and Abigail have very conflicting characters, but they also compare in many ways and contribute to the symbolism of the play over all.
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In the play, Abigail is only seventeen when the affair occurs. Being a young and naive girl, she mistakes the actions for love and expects John to leave his wife. When he rejects her, she takes matters into her own hands and tried to get rid of Elizabeth Proctor by using Tituba’s magic. When that fails, she blames Elizabeth and others in the town for using witchcraft. This only backfires because John becomes desperate to save his wife. Also, Abigail takes advantage of her friends and does not use witchcraft but still manages to control them. They all support and testify to Abigail’s claim. The play revolves around Abigail doing anything for his attention including being responsible for the death of many. Even though she is young, she proves she is smart enough to manipulate and bend a whole town at her will, control her friends and betray her only family all in the name of her love for John Proctor. Overall, Abigail portrays the same perseverance Elizabeth does for the one they love and are strong minded women refuse to