A crucible is a severe test or trail. In light of this definition, the title of Arthur Miller's The Crucible seem more than appropriate. The story unfolds in the thriving, little hamlet of Salem Village, an early American English colony. The time is the early spring of 1692. THe backdrop is the stark, stauch, and strict life of seventeenth century Puritan America. The play, based on the actual events of the famed Salem Witch Trials, bring this horrifying time in American history to chilling life. It is easy to see the suspicion and desperation of a town gone mad. Though hardly a factual piece, The Crucible gives a very real view into the trials' blantant disregard for logic and justice in their proceedings. Abigail Williams, the antagonistic figure of the story, is not your common villainess.
Abigail is a seventeen-year-old niece of the settlement's pastor, Reverend Parris. Abigail, an orphan and a quiet, young woman of a respectable family and proper unbringing, seems to be the picture of pure innocence. One would think she is to be pitied not feared. Yet, the reality is shockingly different for the ideal. She possess a talent for lying or "dissembling". She has an unusally shrewd mind and a great ability for manipulation. For example, she has complete control over the girls involved in the trials, because she uses persuasion and threats, if the situation warrants them. Whenever she come under suspicion, she is able to gain the upper hand. When Hale first questions her, she is able to divert attention away for her own behavior by blaming Tituba and naming others as tormenting her through witchcraft. In this, she quickly goes from suspect to victim. Abigail's characteristics make her character and her role as an antagonistic unique. She is an ironic figure in the play. For Abigail is not a monster, a criminal, or an obviously sinister force. Her presence even goes against the common stereotype of a male villain.
