In Act One of the Crucible, Abigail is an ideal antagonist. She uses her "innocent" identity to control others by manipulating them. This is prominent when she persuades Tituba and other citizens of Salem to cast spells. Not only did Abigail persuade Tituba to cast spells, she specifically told her to place a curse on Elizabeth Proctor. The curse on Mrs. Proctor would cause her to become fatally ill, and Abigail then would soon take her place. In order to be with John Proctor, Elizabeth needed to be out of the picture.
Among the girls, Abigail is a leader. She talks well and knows how to override others to stay in control and get what she wants. Little does she know that John sees who Abigail truly is. John attempts to expose Abigail for her witchcraft, but later is placed in the slammer. Again, she is innocent because she puts on an act to save herself. Before she runs away she steals money from Mr. Parris and is never seen again.
Abigail is in a low position in society. Both of her parents were murdered and she lives with a minister. Her manipulative tactics are present because she uses them in order to be portrayed as someone important because her life was not great. It is ironic that Abigail steals money and later becomes a whore. The act of stealing and the act of "prostituting" are considered low in society. This new life she holds circulates back to her low position she had before when her parents died. Abigail was able to manipulate others in order to be in control and have power; but just like any other antagonist, her manipulation and fake innocence made her fear Salem. This fear is significant because she was never able to identify her true self to anyone, not even herself.
I really like how this is written. I agree with you completely that she is very manipulative. She acts all innocent to get what she needs and to stay out of trouble, when really she is a completely different person. Not only is she lying to everyone around her, but she is also lying to herself.
ReplyDeleteI completely agree with the idea that Abigail is a main antagonist. For one so young she sure does possess a great deal of rather immoral attributes. Her manipulative and deceiving nature allows for a great deal of misfortune in her story as well as the lives of those around her.
ReplyDeleteI enjoyed this post. It was well written and made a great deal of sence to me. You brought up several good points about Abigail that I had not thought of right away. Especially the point when you states Abigail was a leader among the girls.
ReplyDeleteAt the beginning of the play it does appear she is concerned about the health of her cousin but as we see as the play moves froward this Abigail is not really the person we think she is. Much like Reverend Parris.
I feel very bad bout what happend during these witch trials. It goes to show how powerful fear can be.