The Consequences of Abigail's Actions in The Crucible

The Manipulative Abigail in The Crucible

Abigail Williams is one of the main characters in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible." She is depicted as a manipulative and deceitful young woman who sets off a chain of events that ultimately leads to the Salem witch trials. Throughout the play, Abigail's actions have far-reaching consequences for the characters around her.

Abigail's Wish After Testifying

After testifying in court and pulling the needle out of the poppet, Abigail wishes for Elizabeth Proctor to be arrested for witchcraft. This desire stems from Abigail's jealousy and resentment towards Elizabeth, who is John Proctor's wife. Abigail sees Elizabeth as an obstacle in her quest to be with John, and she believes that by getting rid of Elizabeth, she can have John for herself.

The Discovery of the Poppet

When the poppet is discovered in the Proctor home, Abigail sees an opportunity to frame Elizabeth for witchcraft. She knows that Elizabeth will be suspected of using the poppet to place a curse on her, and she takes advantage of this situation to further her own agenda. Abigail's manipulation of the events surrounding the poppet ultimately leads to Elizabeth's arrest and contributes to the chaos and hysteria of the witch trials.

The Consequences of Abigail's Lies

Abigail's lies and deceit have serious consequences for the characters in the play. Her actions not only lead to innocent people being accused of witchcraft and put on trial, but they also result in the death of many individuals. Abigail's selfish desires and willingness to manipulate others for her own gain highlight the destructive power of jealousy and resentment.

The Tragic Ending

In the end, Abigail's manipulations spiral out of control, leading to a tragic and devastating conclusion for the characters in the play. The chaos and devastation caused by Abigail's actions serve as a cautionary tale about the dangers of unchecked power and the destructive consequences of selfishness and deceit.