• In a theocratic society like Salem, where public and private ethics are parallel, reputation plays an important role within this atmosphere of paranoia. Focused on maintaining public reputation, the citizens of Salem in the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller, fear that their own sins and the ones of their friends will soil their good names. Taking place during the Salem Witch Trials, which was the result of the Puritans’ bent moral system, the idea of interference in others’ affairs as well as the standards of degrading any abnormal behavior was promoted. The multitude of characters within the play, especially Abigail, base their actions and words off of the impulse to protect their respective reputations, even if it results in the false
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• she attempts to hide her behavior because it will reveal her affair with Proctor if she confesses to bewitching Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail lies to conceal her affair, and to prevent being accused of witchcraft.
• In order to avoid severe punishment for witchcraft and adultery — as well as attempted murder for plotting Elizabeth's death — Abigail shifts the focus away from herself by accusing others of witchcraft. This bold act of self-preservation soon leads to Abigail's overpowering actions
• She has no conscious -Abigail sees herself as Proctor's true love and his ideal choice for a wife.
• Posseses strategy and tactics beyond her years- willing to step on others to raise herself up (sociopath?)
• Abigail uses her power to create a dominating atmosphere of fear and intimidation. She threatens other girls with violence if they refuse to go along with her plans, and she does not hesitate to accuse them of witchcraft if they do not remain loyal.(pathological behavior)
• Views others as pawns in game in order to win Proctor and keep her reputation and credibility
• When plan fails, flees
• she attempts to hide her behavior because it will reveal her affair with Proctor if she confesses to bewitching Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail lies to conceal her affair, and to prevent being accused of witchcraft.
• In order to avoid severe punishment for witchcraft and adultery — as well as attempted murder for plotting Elizabeth's death — Abigail shifts the focus away from herself by accusing others of witchcraft. This bold act of self-preservation soon leads to Abigail's overpowering actions
• She has no conscious -Abigail sees herself as Proctor's true love and his ideal choice for a wife.
• Posseses strategy and tactics beyond her years- willing to step on others to raise herself up (sociopath?)
• Abigail uses her power to create a dominating atmosphere of fear and intimidation. She threatens other girls with violence if they refuse to go along with her plans, and she does not hesitate to accuse them of witchcraft if they do not remain loyal.(pathological behavior)
• Views others as pawns in game in order to win Proctor and keep her reputation and credibility
• When plan fails, flees