During the Salem Witch Trials, a variety of people were tried for witchcraft. At the time of the trials, much panic and scapegoating ensued, as demonstrated in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible. Miller’s play displays the different character behaviours as a result of the hysteria and paranoia of the time. As it turns out, the “witchcraft” these people were being tried for did not exist. However bizarre the idea of this magic was, it did not stop people from turning upon one another if it would convenience them. The various characters would turn upon one another in an attempt to save themselves, resulting in further distrust. The theme of deceit is portrayed through the lies affecting the Proctor, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Mary. John Proctor is quite
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A prime example of such a character is the heartless Abigail Williams, who looks out for herself and herself alone. She is highly skilled at manipulating people and forcing them to surrender control to her. In a scene with the girls, she hits Betty when she does not cooperate with a made up story Abigail has figured to make herself appear as innocent as possible. After she hits her, she exclaims what supposedly happened, and “that is all.’” She goes on to threaten the girls, stating “‘I will come to you in the black of some terible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.’” Her lie here is meant to protect herself, but because she is so eager to keep herself safe, she has morphed into an individual perfectly willing to abandon all morals if it means she won’t face the consequences.
Further on in the play, Abigail goes as far as to frame Elizabeth Proctor on the account of witchcraft. It is evident that Abigail does not care at for Elizabeth, so it may not seem nearly as far fetched that she would try to hurt Elizabeth, but what may be surprising is her damning of John Proctor, a man whom she claimed to love. This is quite possibly the best example of her complete loss of morality because even those she cares for are not exempt from her
A prime example of such a character is the heartless Abigail Williams, who looks out for herself and herself alone. She is highly skilled at manipulating people and forcing them to surrender control to her. In a scene with the girls, she hits Betty when she does not cooperate with a made up story Abigail has figured to make herself appear as innocent as possible. After she hits her, she exclaims what supposedly happened, and “that is all.’” She goes on to threaten the girls, stating “‘I will come to you in the black of some terible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you.’” Her lie here is meant to protect herself, but because she is so eager to keep herself safe, she has morphed into an individual perfectly willing to abandon all morals if it means she won’t face the consequences.
Further on in the play, Abigail goes as far as to frame Elizabeth Proctor on the account of witchcraft. It is evident that Abigail does not care at for Elizabeth, so it may not seem nearly as far fetched that she would try to hurt Elizabeth, but what may be surprising is her damning of John Proctor, a man whom she claimed to love. This is quite possibly the best example of her complete loss of morality because even those she cares for are not exempt from her