Hawthorne-- The Crucible.

Essay by jesterradicusHigh School, 11th gradeA, February 2004

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In The Crucible the dishonesty of Abigail Williams destroys the lives of

John Proctor, his wife Elizabeth, and Mary Warren. Abigail is a mean and vindictive person who always wants her way, no matter who she hurts. Many deceitful acts, in this play, result in someone's death and Abigail Williams lies from Act I to the final curtain fall. John Proctor's death was unjust, like so many others during the Salem Witch Trials. Mistrust, poor judgment, and honesty on his own part all played smaller roles in the demise of John Proctor, but it was one girl's lies that set him on the gallows.

Throughout the play Abigail's accusations and lies cause many people pain and suffering. She seemed to never care for any of them except John Proctor, whom she had an affair with prior to the beginning of the play. She is convinced that they should still be together.

"You loved me John Proctor, and whatever sin it is, you love me yet!"(24) John admits to "thinking softly of her from time to time," but claims he will "cut off his hand before he reaches for her again."(23). John regrets the affair with Abigail greatly, he loves his wife and is not one to sin. It is unfortunate that when asked, by Hale, to repeat the commandments that John forgets "Thou shalt not commit adultery." This is Hale's first indication that John will be an easy target for persecution, as "Theology is a fortress and no crack in the fortress may be accounted small."(67). Abigail only lied to protect herself from prosecution from dancing in the forest with the other girls. Abigail feared for her life so much that she protected it even when John was accused of witchcraft and faced hanging. Although she loved him,