What is Abigail trying to do?

What is Abigail Trying to Do?

In Arthur Miller’s play, The Crucible, Abigail Williams, the protagonist, is a complex character who is driven by her own desires and motivations. From the beginning of the play, it becomes apparent that Abigail is not as innocent as she seems. Abigail is trying to destroy Salem Village, and her actions have catastrophic consequences.

Abigail’s Desire to Destroy Salem Village

Abigail’s motivations can be attributed to her unrequited love for John Proctor and her desire to take revenge on Proctor’s wife, Elizabeth. She is willing to do whatever it takes to get what she wants and is not afraid to use manipulative tactics to achieve her goals.

• Abigail’s past affair with John Proctor has left her emotionally scarred and seeking attention from him.
• Abigail is jealous of Elizabeth Proctor’s relationship with John and seeks revenge by accusing her of witchcraft.
• Abigail is Machiavellian in her approach, using her charm and cunning to get what she wants.

Consequences of Abigail’s Actions

• The Salem witch trials unfold, resulting in the arrest and execution of many innocent people, including Proctor’s servant, Tituba, and even his own wife, Elizabeth.
• The community is torn apart, with neighbors turning against each other as accusations of witchcraft spread.
• Chaos and destruction spread throughout Salem Village, causing emotional trauma and devastation.

Why Did Abigail Do It?

Abigail’s motivations can be summarized in the following points:

• Love, jealousy, and revenge were the driving forces behind her actions.
• She was willing to do whatever it took to get what she wanted, regardless of the consequences.
• Abigail was self-centered and only thought of her own desires and needs, ignoring the suffering of others.

In Conclusion

Abigail Williams, in The Crucible, is a character who is driven by her own desires and motivations. Her actions have far-reaching consequences, causing chaos, destruction, and emotional trauma in the lives of those around her. Abigail’s willingness to do whatever it takes to get what she wants is a classic example of the destructive power of ambition and greed.