The Green-Eyed Monster: Unpacking Abigail Williams’ Jealousy in The Crucible

Abigail Williams, a central character in Arthur Miller’s The Crucible, is overwhelmingly jealous of Elizabeth Proctor. This jealousy is the primary driving force behind her actions throughout the play, fueling the chaos and tragedy that unfold in Salem. Her envy stems from a complex combination of factors, including her desire for John Proctor, her former employer and lover, and a deep-seated sense of resentment towards Elizabeth for possessing what Abigail covets: John’s love and marital status. This core jealousy permeates her behavior, leading her to manipulate, lie, and ultimately, contribute to the deaths of innocent people.

Abigail’s Jealousy: A Deep Dive

The Root of the Envy: John Proctor

Abigail’s jealousy isn’t just a fleeting feeling; it’s a consuming obsession. The affair she had with John Proctor ignited in her a possessive love. When Elizabeth Proctor discovers this affair and subsequently dismisses Abigail from their service, it fuels a burning desire for revenge. Abigail sees Elizabeth as the primary obstacle to her desire to be with John. This is more than mere affection; Abigail’s feelings are driven by a powerful sense of entitlement and a warped belief that she is the rightful woman for John.

Elizabeth as an Obstacle

The text illustrates that Abigail views Elizabeth as a rival who occupies her rightful place. Elizabeth is a respected member of the community, a wife and mother, everything Abigail is not. Abigail is single, and viewed with suspicion due to the circumstances of her dismissal from the Proctor household. This disparity in status fuels her jealousy and her determination to eliminate Elizabeth, not just as a threat to her romantic goals but as a symbol of everything she wants and lacks. This jealousy is not merely romantic but also stems from a lack of standing in the community.

Abigail’s Actions Driven by Jealousy

Abigail’s actions are a direct result of her jealousy of Elizabeth. She masterfully manipulates the other girls into joining her in accusing innocent townspeople of witchcraft, all under the guise of religious righteousness. The initial accusations, which seem random, quickly become strategic as Abigail begins targeting individuals she harbors ill will towards. Elizabeth is the primary target, but her jealousy extends to anyone who appears to possess happiness or standing that she feels entitled to. This manipulation highlights her ruthless and self-serving nature. She is willing to destroy the community to have the object of her desire.

Beyond the Romantic: Control and Power

It’s also essential to note that Abigail’s jealousy isn’t solely based on romantic longing. Her actions reveal a deep hunger for control and power. By orchestrating the witch trials, Abigail gains influence and authority that she never possessed. She manipulates both the court and the town, making her an influential figure. This pursuit of power is partially driven by her envy of Elizabeth’s seemingly secure and respected position in society. She wants more than just John Proctor; she wants to be seen as a person of significance. This is her way to not only obtain John but also achieve her desire to obtain a higher societal standing.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Abigail’s Jealousy

1. How does Abigail’s jealousy manifest in the play?

Abigail’s jealousy manifests through her accusations of witchcraft. She initially uses the trials as an opportunity to remove Elizabeth Proctor from the picture but uses them to exert control over the town later in the play.

2. Is Abigail’s jealousy solely focused on Elizabeth?

While Elizabeth is her primary target, Abigail’s jealousy extends to anyone who threatens her standing or desires. This can be seen through her attempts to frame and attack other characters.

3. How does Abigail portray Elizabeth to others?

Abigail consistently portrays Elizabeth as a “bitter,” “lying,” and “cold” woman. She seeks to demonize Elizabeth to justify her own actions and gain sympathy from others in Salem. She uses this characterization to influence people to see Elizabeth in a negative light.

4. Does Abigail ever express remorse for her actions?

There’s no indication of remorse from Abigail. Her actions throughout the play, even as they lead to death, are driven by self-preservation and selfish desires. She does not display signs of regret for her actions.

5. Does Abigail manipulate others to achieve her goals?

Yes, Abigail is a master manipulator. She controls the other girls through fear and threats, ensuring their compliance in her fabricated accusations.

6. How does Abigail use fear to control the situation?

Abigail uses fear as a primary weapon. She threatens the other girls with physical harm if they reveal the truth about their activities in the woods, and also uses fear to manipulate the court with her dramatics.

7. What does Abigail believe she is entitled to?

Abigail believes she is entitled to John Proctor’s love and position as his wife. She views Elizabeth as an obstacle to her “rightful” place, leading to her vengeful actions.

8. How does Abigail’s lack of societal standing affect her actions?

Her low social standing fuels her desire for power and recognition. She seeks to elevate her status through her manipulation of the witch trials. This plays a major role in her selfish desire to gain control over others in the town.

9. Does Abigail have any romantic feelings towards John Proctor?

While Abigail claims to love John Proctor, her feelings are more of an obsessive and selfish desire. She is driven more by possessiveness than genuine love. Her actions highlight this fact as she seems to be more in love with the idea of a relationship with John rather than John himself.

10. What does Abigail seek by accusing others of witchcraft?

Abigail initially seeks to eliminate Elizabeth. Later, however, she seeks to gain power, status, and control over the community, using accusations as her tools for manipulating others. This is a huge turning point in the play.

11. How does the play highlight the theme of jealousy?

The play uses Abigail’s jealousy to show how destructive unchecked envy can be. It demonstrates that jealousy can lead to manipulation, deception, and the suffering of innocent people.

12. What is the significance of the affair between Abigail and John Proctor?

The affair is a catalyst for Abigail’s destructive behavior. It fuels her jealousy of Elizabeth and drives her pursuit to secure John, no matter the cost.

13. Why is Abigail considered the main antagonist of The Crucible?

Abigail is considered the main antagonist because her actions are the central cause of the hysteria, destruction, and death within the town of Salem. She is the source of the lies, manipulations, and accusations.

14. Does Abigail’s character change throughout the play?

Abigail remains relatively consistent in her behavior. She is self-serving, manipulative, and driven by her jealousy of Elizabeth. Although her actions cause much chaos, her personality does not undergo a major transformation.

15. How does Abigail’s jealousy impact the other characters?

Abigail’s jealousy has a profound impact on many characters. It causes Elizabeth’s wrongful accusation, John’s internal conflict, and the general distrust within the town, ultimately resulting in numerous tragic deaths. Her actions lead to the suffering of many innocent characters.