The Complex Character of Abigail Williams in "The Crucible"

Introduction

In stories, villains often stick in our minds as the characters we dislike the most. In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Abigail Williams is a character who sparks controversy. She's both the one causing trouble by making accusations and a victim of the strict Puritan society. This essay delves into Abigail's character, exploring her tough nature, the impact of her past, and how she becomes a victim in a tragic love affair with John Proctor.

Abigail's Complex Character

Abigail is a complex character shaped by her tough nature and a difficult past.

Her threats to stop others from talking about their actions in the forest show her unyielding side: "[…] I saw Indians smash my dear parents’ heads on the pillow next to mine, and I have seen some reddish work done at night, and I can make you wish had never seen the sun go down!" (Miller 20). Experiencing such cruelty at a young age leaves a mark, making her ruthless.

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Abigail is adopted by her uncle, Parris Williams, a Salem priest who lacks interest and skill with children. Abandoned by her family, Abigail, like other Salem kids, lacks proper care. The strict Puritan rules make things worse, limiting the entertainment and growth of children. Abigail, facing abandonment and deprivation, turns to wrong actions to get what she wants, shaped by the lack of guidance.

Her tough and dishonest character is a result of being an orphan and having a difficult childhood. This makes her a victim of the Puritan society that fails to nurture its youth.

Victim in the Love Affair

The love affair with John Proctor adds another layer to Abigail's victimhood. Her relationship with Proctor leads to losing her innocence in the eyes of Salem villagers. Her uncle, Parris, remarks on her tainted reputation: "She comes so rarely to the church this year, for she will not sit so close to something soiled. […] that you are now seven months out of their house, and in all this time no other family has ever called for your service" (Miller 12). Abigail's affair becomes public knowledge, tarnishing her reputation and making her undesirable for employment.

As an unmarried girl, Abigail's innocence holds significance, contrasting with Proctor, a married man. The consequence of her actions is dire – she becomes a soiled figure in Salem, leading to her tragic fate as a prostitute in Boston. Abigail sacrifices her reputation for love but gains nothing, losing Proctor's love in the process. Proctor, in his effort to protect his wife and expose Abigail's true nature, reveals the depth of his disdain and the absence of any remaining love for her.

Abigail's character arc in the love affair portrays her as a victim, young and impulsive, who fails to foresee the consequences of her actions, ultimately gaining nothing from the ill-fated relationship.

Proctor's Perspective

Examining the affair from John Proctor's perspective further illuminates Abigail's victimhood. Proctor, willing to sacrifice his own reputation to expose Abigail's deceit, underscores the magnitude of her wrongdoings. In detailing the affair's location, Proctor reveals: "In the proper place—where my beasts are bedded. On the last night of my joy, some eight months past. [...] I beg you, sir, I beg you—see what she is. My wife, my dear good wife, took this girl soon after, sir, and put her out on the highroad. And being what she is, a lump of vanity [...]" (Miller 110).

Proctor's sacrifice and the exposure of Abigail's true character demonstrate the absence of any lingering love on his part. Abigail, once the object of Proctor's affection, becomes a symbol of anger and hatred. This revelation further solidifies Abigail's status as a victim in the narrative.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Abigail Williams in "The Crucible" emerges as a complex character, embodying both the instigator of accusations and a victim of her circumstances. Her ruthless nature and tumultuous past, combined with societal neglect and restrictive Puritanical rules, contribute to her villainous actions. Simultaneously, Abigail's role in a tragic love affair with John Proctor further highlights her victimhood, losing her reputation and gaining nothing in return. The narrative complexity surrounding Abigail underscores the nuanced portrayal of characters in Miller's exploration of the Salem witch trials.