When defining good and evil, the line between the two can often become blurred. The magnitude of both good and evil within a person is based on perspective and personal beliefs. Motives, wisdom, and societal standards are all factors that play an integral part in how someone will be perceived. In the case of these two texts, the character Abigail Williams from The Crucible will be able to be identified with better with than Roger Chillingworth from The Scarlet Letter. Although a character’s actions may not be entirely commendable, influences like a character’s individual circumstances and motives will sway opinions.
The demeanor of Roger Chillingworth from The Scarlet Letter makes him the epitome of an antagonist. He not only actively prevents happiness between Reverend Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne but also lives to feed off of Dimmesdale’s decline. “He [Dimmesdale] looked now more careworn and emaciated than as we described him at the scene of …show more content…
During the time in which the texts take place, conforming to society was essential. Religious ideologies dictated a strict line between good and evil. Women were thought of as inferior to men and had minimal power in society. Abigail attempts to improve her standing in society by empowering herself. While in most cases the hunger for power would be perceived as villainous, the time period in which Abigail lives in must be considered. Instead of conforming to the standards of society, she attempts to attain what she desires by taking on a role as an independent individual. Additionally, she indicates that she had a difficult childhood and is now an orphan.“I saw Indians smash my dear parents’ heads on the pillow next to mine” (Miller I.359-361). This would be scarring to any person and would leave a distinct mark. Not only does this elevate the level of compassion towards Abigail but also eliminates some accountability for her
The demeanor of Roger Chillingworth from The Scarlet Letter makes him the epitome of an antagonist. He not only actively prevents happiness between Reverend Dimmesdale and Hester Prynne but also lives to feed off of Dimmesdale’s decline. “He [Dimmesdale] looked now more careworn and emaciated than as we described him at the scene of …show more content…
During the time in which the texts take place, conforming to society was essential. Religious ideologies dictated a strict line between good and evil. Women were thought of as inferior to men and had minimal power in society. Abigail attempts to improve her standing in society by empowering herself. While in most cases the hunger for power would be perceived as villainous, the time period in which Abigail lives in must be considered. Instead of conforming to the standards of society, she attempts to attain what she desires by taking on a role as an independent individual. Additionally, she indicates that she had a difficult childhood and is now an orphan.“I saw Indians smash my dear parents’ heads on the pillow next to mine” (Miller I.359-361). This would be scarring to any person and would leave a distinct mark. Not only does this elevate the level of compassion towards Abigail but also eliminates some accountability for her