Type a new keyword(s) and press Enter to search

The Curse of Abigail

 

            
             In Arthur Miller's, The Crucible, many horrific events take place. The events that occur are subject to be caused by a young girl at the age of 17, Abigail Williams. Throughout the play, she displays many acts of manipulation, jealousy, and evilness while accusing many of the towns" innocent citizens. It can be thought that this is simply because of the infatuation she has for John Proctor, and the determination to take Elizabeth's place.
             As the play begins, Abigail is found dancing in the forest by her Uncle Parris. She is accompanied by his daughter Betty, who faints when her and the other girls are caught. Abigail's manipulative ways are obvious early in the play when she has a conversation with her uncle. After questioning her about what went on in the forest, Abigail admits to dancing and that Betty only fainted because she was startled. She goes on to say that she would never hurt Betty and that she loves her dearly. She later opposes these words when she demands, "Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you"(Miller 837). She is clearly manipulating the girls by threatening them with violence and her own "witchcraft" if they are to reveal the truth. .
             As the play continues, Abigail's true self begins to emerge. It is obvious that she is deeply infatuated with Proctor when she sees him. Showing no morals, she automatically attempts to seduce him, while reminding him of his adulterous acts when she worked at his house. She appears to be full of herself and perhaps a little overconfident when she proclaims, "I saw your face when you put me out, and you loved me then and you do now"(Miller 839). Despite her efforts, he makes it clear to her that it was all in the past and he wished to pretend it never happened. .
             The play continues and Abigail's plot of vengeance and evil progresses quickly.


Essays Related to The Curse of Abigail