Arthur Miller crafted The Crucible in 1953 as he saw a connection between the tactics involving personal attacks on individuals by means of widely publicized indiscriminate allegations especially on the basis of unsubstantiated charges used in the Cold War, also known as McCarthyism, and the Salem Witch Trials of 1692-1693. Similar to how Joseph McCarthy, a U.S. Senator, was believed when he said that Communists had infiltrated his nation’s government because of his high-ranking position, numerous character’s claims in Miller’s novel are believed because of their reputation. For instance, young Abigail Williams is trusted time and time again, even though she is actually wrongly convicting nearly 20 innocent people, because of her role in society.
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First of all, Abigail’s youth allows her to not be seen as a women who recently was John Proctor’s mistress, but rather as one who is taken advantage of an older man. Instead of being shamed and shunned by society, Abigail is actually seen as the victim in the situation, which provides her with the communities sympathy. Also, a 17-year-old young woman is usually one who is pure for the better part, rather than a manipulating psychopath. This can be seen when Reverend Hale questions Abigail as she attempts to get her revenge on Elizabeth Proctor for taking John from her. The girl claims that Elizabeth is poking her with a needle through a voodoo doll, which Hale responds by asking the orphan to tell the truth, which is that Mary Warren is actually the one to blame, according to Abigail. On page 48, Abigail makes the comments of, “I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil!...I saw Goody Hawkins with the Devil!...I saw Goody Booth with the Devil!” (Miller). Without even thinking, Abigail just continues to pour out names of girls with absolutely no evidence to show for it. The power that Abigail possesses, which is to apparently be able to tell who is a devil worshipper, leaves her to never be doubted and those who ever suspect her of corruptness to be indicted
First of all, Abigail’s youth allows her to not be seen as a women who recently was John Proctor’s mistress, but rather as one who is taken advantage of an older man. Instead of being shamed and shunned by society, Abigail is actually seen as the victim in the situation, which provides her with the communities sympathy. Also, a 17-year-old young woman is usually one who is pure for the better part, rather than a manipulating psychopath. This can be seen when Reverend Hale questions Abigail as she attempts to get her revenge on Elizabeth Proctor for taking John from her. The girl claims that Elizabeth is poking her with a needle through a voodoo doll, which Hale responds by asking the orphan to tell the truth, which is that Mary Warren is actually the one to blame, according to Abigail. On page 48, Abigail makes the comments of, “I saw Goody Sibber with the Devil!...I saw Goody Hawkins with the Devil!...I saw Goody Booth with the Devil!” (Miller). Without even thinking, Abigail just continues to pour out names of girls with absolutely no evidence to show for it. The power that Abigail possesses, which is to apparently be able to tell who is a devil worshipper, leaves her to never be doubted and those who ever suspect her of corruptness to be indicted