How Abigail Terrorizes the Other Girls
Abigail terrorizes the other girls by threatening to practice witchcraft on them if they tell anyone about the spell, and forcing them to blame Tituba, who was innocently having fun with the girls, in order to cover up her own actions. By manipulating and intimidating the other girls, Abigail is able to maintain control and avoid exposure, while also seeking revenge on those she perceives as enemies, including Elizabeth Proctor.
Understanding Abigail’s Motivations
Abigail’s actions are motivated by a desire for revenge and a need for control, which stems from her complex and troubled past, including the murder of her parents by Indians and her affair with John Proctor. This backstory is crucial in understanding Abigail’s psychological state and her willingness to manipulate and terrorize those around her.
The Impact of Abigail’s Actions
Abigail’s threats and intimidation have a profound impact on the other girls, causing them to fear and obey her, and ultimately leading to the downfall of innocent people, including Rebecca Nurse and John Proctor. The hysteria and chaos created by Abigail’s actions also contribute to the atmosphere of fear and suspicion that pervades the community.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What threat does Abigail give to the other girls?: Abigail threatens to practice witchcraft on Betty, Mercy, and Mary Warren if they tell anyone about the spell.
- How does Abigail defend the girls’ behavior in the woods?: Abigail says that they were dancing and Tituba was singing, and no witchcraft was being done.
- What is an example of Abigail being vengeful?: Abigail accuses Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft to take revenge on Elizabeth for ending her affair with John.
- Who does Abigail pretend is attacking her in the courtroom?: Abigail pretends to see Mary’s spirit coming to attack her in the courtroom.
- Why does Abigail stab herself?: Abigail stabs herself with a needle to frame Elizabeth Proctor for witchcraft and to revenge herself upon Elizabeth.
- What act does Abigail steal?: Abigail steals her uncle’s money and runs away with Mercy Lewis in Act Four.
- Why does Abigail turn violent?: Abigail’s jealousy of Elizabeth Proctor drives her actions, causing her to accuse Elizabeth of witchcraft and set her up with evidence.
- How does Abigail treat the other girls?: Abigail treats the other girls badly, using manipulation and intimidation to control them.
- Which girl seems to be the most afraid of Abigail?: Mary fears Abigail’s revenge the most, but also fears being alone, which makes her go along with her friends’ lies.
- What is Abigail’s conflict?: Abigail’s conflict is with John Proctor, who has ended their affair, and with Elizabeth Proctor, who she seeks to destroy.
- How does Abigail seek revenge on Elizabeth Proctor?: Abigail uses the witch trials to seek revenge on Elizabeth, accusing her of witchcraft and trying to frame her.
- What is Abigail’s history?: Abigail’s parents were murdered by Indians when she was a child, and she has a troubled and complex past.
- Why does Abigail’s disappearance matter?: Abigail’s disappearance further testifies to the unrest in Salem and shows that she has lost credibility in the eyes of the people.
- What gift does Abigail love?: Abigail loves amethysts, which can be mined and saved up.
- Why will Elizabeth not be hanged if she is found guilty?: Elizabeth will not be hanged until after she delivers her baby, as she is pregnant at the time of her conviction.