I'm writing a serious essay on The Crucible by Arthur Miller for English.?

Question

Can anybody thoroughly explain to me why Abigail deserves to be a Villain in this play? "Analyze the nature of the character's villainy and show how it enhances the meaning of the work. Avoid plot summary."

What is the villainy behind Abigail? Thorough Explanation

Answer 1

Ok I actually read the book for Honors English and I'm a 5.0 student(weighted classes) so I'm not just saying something stupid. Abigail and John Proctor had a little fling. He ended it because he was married and realized it was wrong. Abigail was mad, so she decided to make Elizabeth look bad. She started doing witchcraft taught to her by Tituba, a slave. She accused Elizabeth, knowing it would cause a panic and all would believe her. She was considered a saint in the town. Abigail used to work for the Proctors (John and Elizabeth) but Elizabeth let her go because she thought John and Abigail were having an affair. This also made Abigail mad. The town was so desperate to find other "witches" and believed every word she said. This made her power hungry and she went crazy naming all sorts of people. She didn't care about anyone else but her, she was willing to let Elizabeth die so she could have John to herself. She was selfish and power hungry and did whatever it took to get what she wanted, she was a villian for these reasons. She even framed Elizabeth, at court Abigail saw Mary making a poppet. She saw her insert the needle into the abdomen of the poppet. Mary lived with the Proctors and took the poppet home. Later that day Abigail stabbed herself in the abdomen claiming that someone had done this to her. She told them it was Elizabeth, when they went to her house they found the poppet Mary had made earlier with a needle inserted in the abdomen. Hope this helps you with your essay.