Topic > Abigail Williams' Motivations 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 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 more fully understand the themes of power and manipulation in The Crucible. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Body From the very first scene, Abigail's desire for power is evident. When questioned about the events that occurred in the woods, she immediately places the blame on Tituba, the slave. This not only draws attention away from herself, but also makes her a credible witness. As the show progresses, Abigail's manipulation of the court and other characters becomes more and more apparent. She uses her position as an accuser to gain power over others, using fear and intimidation to maintain control. For example, she threatens other girls with violence if they don't accept 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 up! I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I've danced for the Devil; I've seen him, I've written in his book; I'm going back to Jesus; I've seen Sarah Good with the Devil! the devil!" (Miller 20). This quote highlights Abigail's willingness to accuse others and assign blame to them in order to secure her own position of power. Abigail's motivation for power is driven by her desire to escape her troubled past. As an orphan and a servant, Abigail has little control over her 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 more and more evident as the show 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 show, Abigail constantly manipulates other characters 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 relationship, using it as a means to control him and 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 the sin, you still love me!" (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 influence events in Salem to her advantage. This desire for control is driven by the fear of being powerless and the need to protect himself from the consequences of his actions. Conclusion In conclusion, Abigail Williams' motivation in The Crucible is primarily driven by her desire for power and control. From the very beginning of the show, it is evident that Abigail will stop at nothing to achieve hers, 2003.