Who Is Abigail Guilty In The Crucible

"To vice, innocence must always seem only a superior kind of chicanery." Ouida (1839-1908) In The Crucible Abigail committed the greatest of crimes. She destroyed the reputations of many and killed many as well. She influenced others to her evil way and killed out of greed. She managed to get away with her life without even a question of guilt, and as the hysteria of witchcraft grew in Salem she did not fear anyone. She was in control over the town and ran it with fear of death. Her magic wand's spell was the simple accusation of witchcraft. Her power lied in the fact that judges believed her, and all the girls followed her. She was guilty of murder by lying to court, having an affair with a married man, and accusing simply for greed. Abigail lied to the courts on
numerous occasions. "No, I cannot, I cannot stop my mouth; it's God's work I do." (Abigail 115) At this point she is trying to prove to the court that she is being bewitched.
If she was bewitched, why would it be happening in court? The accused obviously would not want to prove her guilt in front of a judge with an edgy finger for signing death certificates. Also, Abigail lied to get some backing on her accusations by accusing two of the worst ladies in town of witches, as well as a black slave from Barbados. This was very believable, as these women held no social rank among the town. This has been a common way throughout history to get support for individuals and groups. The Nazi party in Germany accused Jews of all their economic woes. It gained backing among the party as they looked for blame, and Nazis gained from it power. Abigail is a skillful liar and a quality enemy. Abigail purposely hurt herself for evidence in court. "I have been hurt…I have seen my blood runnin' out! I have been near to murdered everyday because I done my duty pointing out the Devil's people." (Abigail 108) She was very good about pinning guilt on others and the fact that she was the victim. She had a way with convincing both the judge and
jury. Abigail was a liar but was not charged of it. Abigail had an affair with a married man, and knew he was. A great sin in all cultures was committed by her and her lover Proctor. "I know how you clutched my back behind your house and seated like a stallion whenever I come near! Or did I dream that? It's she put me out, you cannot pretend it were you. I saw your face when she put me out, and you loved me then and you do now." (Abigail 22) She truly loved him but also began to have an obsession with him. She was very young at 17, while Proctor was in his mid-thirties. Her age and inexperience probably played a role in this obsession, she had never felt love as she did with an older Proctor. Abigail was indeed a sinner and capable of evil. Grand theft and perjury are one thing, but playing with emotions, like Abigail did was obviously a great crime. Abigail accused for greed. She wanted, but it wasn't gold or diamonds it was a man. She wanted John Proctor, and to get him, she was rounding up accusations for Elizabeth his wife. "I have something better than hope, I think." (Abigail 22) Abigail was plotting to get Proctor, she was not just doing it out of the heat of passion, she had it in for his wife. She thought that it was the only thing that stood in her way. Hope, was nothing when she had a powerful accusation that was almost unprovable. She lied in court, and made poppets to prove Elizabeth, Proctor's wife's guilt. She was a skillful artisan in deceit and dismay, and caused many problems for the good people of Salem Village. She was not going to stop until her death had been accomplished. She made a tactical error and allowed her sweet John Proctor to get swallowed by the giant, witchcraft. Abigail killed the wrong person. Even though, she did not confess. She did not even skip a beat. She had left her love to choke on a rope, which truly was no love at all. Abigail was not innocent by any means. Abigail was evil. Abigail did not love, did not hesitate with lie after lie, she was free with love and went after married men. She was guilty of all these crimes and the main antagonist in the story and opposed almost everybody, on her one conquest, which was to save her self. She caused so much grief and anguish that she was indeed evil and did not fret a bit at her actions toward the town. Abigail committed the greatest crimes and should have been punished.