Lethal Liaisons in The Crucible In many literary works, the relationships between characters often contribute to the resolution of the story. It is important, however, to consider that the other interactions expressed throughout the story are also driving factors to how the story concludes. Although there are many relationships that are expressed, many of the major ones that influence the plot are impacted by the presence or interference of Abigail. Therefore, in Arthur Miller’s tragedy, The Crucible, the complex relationships among the characters were a major contributing factor that lead to the final demise and the devastating final outcome of the story. One important relationship in the story is that between Betty and Abigail. Betty is
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Abigail and John had an affair, however John is already married to Elizabeth. This is considered adultery, and during this time, adultery could be punished by death. Therefore, John decided to keep quiet about the affair, yet Abigail wants to get rid of Elizabeth so that she can swoop in and marry John. Elizabeth finds out about John and Abigail’s affair, however she wants to be a loyal and good wife, and not allow his mistake to cause him punishment. Therefore, when questioned about the fact that Abigail used to be their servant and the affair that her husband had with the mischievous girl, she lies for him. She does, however, drop some hints that she knew what went on, without actually saying that she did through the use of irony: "We are given to understand that at one time you dismissed your servant, Abigail Williams...Why did you dismiss Abigail Williams?" "She - dissatisfied me. [Pause.] And my husband."(Miller 104). Elizabeth remains proper, and lies for her husband because doing so is what women during this time were expected to do. However, the fact that she lies for her husband gets the both of them into much more trouble than if she would have told the truth. John had already told the truth about his affair, and stated that his wife knew. When Elizabeth lied, the Proctors both got into much more trouble, which impacted what happened to them during the conclusion of the story, when John’s futile attempts at saving his name and wife end in vain when he is killed as a
Abigail and John had an affair, however John is already married to Elizabeth. This is considered adultery, and during this time, adultery could be punished by death. Therefore, John decided to keep quiet about the affair, yet Abigail wants to get rid of Elizabeth so that she can swoop in and marry John. Elizabeth finds out about John and Abigail’s affair, however she wants to be a loyal and good wife, and not allow his mistake to cause him punishment. Therefore, when questioned about the fact that Abigail used to be their servant and the affair that her husband had with the mischievous girl, she lies for him. She does, however, drop some hints that she knew what went on, without actually saying that she did through the use of irony: "We are given to understand that at one time you dismissed your servant, Abigail Williams...Why did you dismiss Abigail Williams?" "She - dissatisfied me. [Pause.] And my husband."(Miller 104). Elizabeth remains proper, and lies for her husband because doing so is what women during this time were expected to do. However, the fact that she lies for her husband gets the both of them into much more trouble than if she would have told the truth. John had already told the truth about his affair, and stated that his wife knew. When Elizabeth lied, the Proctors both got into much more trouble, which impacted what happened to them during the conclusion of the story, when John’s futile attempts at saving his name and wife end in vain when he is killed as a