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Abigail Williams, one of the central characters in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, is portrayed as the primary antagonist, surpassing even the likes of Parris or Danforth. Throughout the play, Abigail's manipulative nature is prominently displayed, particularly in Act One. After John Proctor ends their illicit affair following his wife's discovery of the infidelity, Abigail's jealousy towards Elizabeth intensifies. She resorts to fabricating stories and manipulating those around her to serve her own interests.
One pivotal event that showcases Abigail's manipulation is the incident in the woods where she and the girls engage in forbidden activities, including drinking blood and removing clothing.
When questioned about the events in the woods, Abigail vehemently denies any wrongdoing and issues a veiled threat to ensure the girls' silence.
She skillfully shifts the blame onto Tituba and other women in Salem when faced with accusations of witchcraft.
What makes Abigail's character particularly insidious is her role in instigating the witchcraft hysteria in Salem. She coerces Tituba into casting spells, with the ultimate goal of eliminating Elizabeth and taking her place beside John Proctor.
Despite being the catalyst for the witch trials, Abigail manipulates the situation to emerge as a righteous accuser, targeting others in the community.
In Act Two, Abigail's obsession with Proctor becomes more pronounced as she convinces herself that he truly loves her but is unable to express his feelings due to Elizabeth's presence.
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She deludes herself into believing that she is Proctor's soulmate and envisions a future where they are together once Elizabeth is out of the picture.
Abigail's ability to twist reality to suit her desires is a recurring theme throughout the play.
Abigail's talent for manipulation is evident in her interactions with the townspeople, as she employs deceit and coercion to achieve her goals.
While her methods may be frowned upon, they prove effective in securing her position of power. By playing on people's fears and vulnerabilities, Abigail manages to sway opinions and incite hysteria within the community.
One of the most striking examples of Abigail's manipulation is her dramatic confession in court, where she claims to have seen individuals consorting with the Devil. By feigning repentance and professing her desire for God's light and love, Abigail cunningly avoids being accused of witchcraft herself. Her ability to manipulate the situation to her advantage highlights her cunning and strategic mindset.
Throughout The Crucible, Abigail's character serves as a cautionary tale of the dangers of unchecked power and manipulation. Her actions have far-reaching consequences, leading to the destruction of innocent lives and the perpetuation of mass hysteria. Abigail's willingness to exploit others for personal gain underscores the darker aspects of human nature and the destructive power of deceit.
In conclusion, Abigail Williams emerges as a complex and compelling character in The Crucible, embodying the destructive force of manipulation and deceit. Her ability to manipulate those around her, coupled with her relentless pursuit of power, makes her a formidable antagonist in the play. As the narrative unfolds, Abigail's actions serve as a stark reminder of the dangers of unchecked ambition and the devastating impact of lies and deception on society. Arthur Miller's portrayal of Abigail Williams stands as a timeless exploration of the human capacity for manipulation and the consequences of succumbing to base desires.
The Main Character of the Play The Crucible. (2016, May 11). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/the-main-character-of-the-play-the-crucible-essay
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