Abigail Williams' Motivation in The Crucible

In Arthur Miller's play, The Crucible, the character of Abigail Williams is driven by a complex set of motivations that ultimately lead to the tragic events in Salem. Through a careful analysis of the text, it becomes clear that Abigail's primary motivation is her desire for power and control. This essay will explore Abigail's motivation in depth, examining how her actions and manipulation of others are driven by this central desire. By examining Abigail's motivations, we can gain a deeper understanding of the themes of power and manipulation in The Crucible.

Body

From the very first scene, Abigail's desire for power is evident. When questioned about the events in the woods, she quickly places the blame on Tituba, the slave. This not only deflects attention away from herself but also establishes her as a credible witness. As the play progresses, Abigail's manipulation of the court and the other characters becomes increasingly apparent. She uses her position as the accuser to gain power over others, using fear and intimidation to maintain control. For example, she threatens the other girls with violence if they do not go along with her lies. This demonstrates Abigail's motivation for power and control, as she is willing to manipulate and harm others to achieve her goals.

In Act 1, Abigail states, "I want to open myself! I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the Devil; I saw him, I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!" (Miller 20). This quote highlights Abigail's willingness to accuse others and place the blame on them in order to secure her own position of power.

Abigail's motivation for power is driven by her desire to escape her own troubled past. As an orphan and a servant, Abigail has little control over her own life. By accusing others and manipulating the court, she gains a sense of power and control that she otherwise lacks. This desire for power becomes increasingly evident as the play unfolds, as Abigail's actions become more extreme and destructive.

Topic Sentence: Abigail's manipulation of others is driven by her desire for control.

Throughout the play, Abigail consistently manipulates the other characters in order to maintain control over the situation. One of the most notable examples of this is her relationship with John Proctor. Abigail manipulates John by exploiting their previous affair, using it as a means to control him and to ensure his loyalty to her. By threatening to reveal their affair, Abigail effectively manipulates John into complying with her demands. This manipulation is a clear manifestation of Abigail's motivation for control.

In Act 1, Abigail says to John, "You loved me, John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!" (Miller 24). This statement highlights Abigail's understanding of John's weakness and her ability to manipulate him using their past relationship.

Abigail's manipulation of others is rooted in her desire for control. By controlling the narrative and manipulating those around her, Abigail is able to shape the events in Salem to her advantage. This desire for control is driven by her fear of being powerless and her need to protect herself from the consequences of her actions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Abigail Williams' motivation in The Crucible is primarily driven by her desire for power and control. From the beginning of the play, it is evident that Abigail will stop at nothing to achieve her goals. Through her manipulation of the court and the other characters, she is able to maintain control over the situation. This desire for power is ultimately her downfall, as her actions lead to the tragic events in Salem. By examining Abigail's motivations, we gain a deeper understanding of the themes of power and manipulation in The Crucible, and the consequences that can arise from unchecked ambition.

Works Cited

Miller, Arthur. The Crucible. Penguin Classics, 2003.