Chris Colfer once claimed, “A villain is just a victim whose story has not been told.” It is sometimes the actions of the supposed heroes themselves that force the characters to be seen in a villainous light. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, Abigail Williams is a villain whose actions are provoked by the prejudice and ignorance of people in the world around her. As a result, she becomes one of the greatest influences of the witchcraft trials in Salem, and readers view her as seditious and evil. However, her actions are not the result of her malicious character, but are rather the result of past and current injustices. Abigail Williams’ hysterical actions are justified because she experiences traumatic events, is manipulated by John Proctor,
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Through Reverend Parris’ selfish actions, the reader can infer that he is an abusive uncle who is only concerned with his own well being, fortune, and reputation. This behavior is exemplified through his conversation with Abigail when he says, “...and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character” (Act I, Pg 11). This shows how he does not care about what has happened to Abigail or what will become of her if the witchcraft scandal gets out, but only his own reputation and name. Because he is being so condescending, Abigail becomes frustrated at living in such an oppressive society, and being in such close proximity of a negligent caregiver. His unacceptable behavior is also setting a selfish and greedy example to this young, and impressionable girl. This could no doubt be an underlying factor that accelerates Abigail’s transition from her original innocent state, to the manipulative and powerful woman she became later in the play. Parris’s behavior teaches Abigail to treat people with a cold indifference and sympathise only with those who can provide her with wealth and power. Because Abigail is taught to be so rigid and selfish, she reacts differently to attention than others do, and becomes mislead when people such as John Proctor express their affection towards …show more content…
Women during this time period made the voyage to Salem in order to gain religious freedom and a chance at a better life. Normal British civilization scorned power in the hands of a woman. Holding the fate of someone’s life in their hands is the ultimate form of power. This need for power and social status likely pushed Abigail to falsely accuse numerous other women of a deadly crime. She also now sees herself as someone of importance, who is elected by God to help Salem and its people. This is clear when Abigail says, “I saw them all- ..hypocrites in their hearts! And God gave me strength to call them liars, and God made men listen to me, and by God I will scrub the world clean for the love of him!” (Act II, Pg 150). This shows how she thought her actions were justified because they were at the demand of God’s will. Before becoming a vital part of Salem’s court system, she was just an unemployed orphan who had obtained a bad name in the town due to being fired by Goody Proctor. After accusing people of witchcraft, Abigail is now seen as a saint who has cleansed the village. She continues to contribute to her society because it gives her a sense of importance. Abigail was doing her part to keep the society safe and pure, and can not be blamed for her desire for
Through Reverend Parris’ selfish actions, the reader can infer that he is an abusive uncle who is only concerned with his own well being, fortune, and reputation. This behavior is exemplified through his conversation with Abigail when he says, “...and now, just now when some good respect is rising for me in the parish, you compromise my very character” (Act I, Pg 11). This shows how he does not care about what has happened to Abigail or what will become of her if the witchcraft scandal gets out, but only his own reputation and name. Because he is being so condescending, Abigail becomes frustrated at living in such an oppressive society, and being in such close proximity of a negligent caregiver. His unacceptable behavior is also setting a selfish and greedy example to this young, and impressionable girl. This could no doubt be an underlying factor that accelerates Abigail’s transition from her original innocent state, to the manipulative and powerful woman she became later in the play. Parris’s behavior teaches Abigail to treat people with a cold indifference and sympathise only with those who can provide her with wealth and power. Because Abigail is taught to be so rigid and selfish, she reacts differently to attention than others do, and becomes mislead when people such as John Proctor express their affection towards …show more content…
Women during this time period made the voyage to Salem in order to gain religious freedom and a chance at a better life. Normal British civilization scorned power in the hands of a woman. Holding the fate of someone’s life in their hands is the ultimate form of power. This need for power and social status likely pushed Abigail to falsely accuse numerous other women of a deadly crime. She also now sees herself as someone of importance, who is elected by God to help Salem and its people. This is clear when Abigail says, “I saw them all- ..hypocrites in their hearts! And God gave me strength to call them liars, and God made men listen to me, and by God I will scrub the world clean for the love of him!” (Act II, Pg 150). This shows how she thought her actions were justified because they were at the demand of God’s will. Before becoming a vital part of Salem’s court system, she was just an unemployed orphan who had obtained a bad name in the town due to being fired by Goody Proctor. After accusing people of witchcraft, Abigail is now seen as a saint who has cleansed the village. She continues to contribute to her society because it gives her a sense of importance. Abigail was doing her part to keep the society safe and pure, and can not be blamed for her desire for