The Crucible - Task 1

Choose two characters - one whom you respond positively and one to whom you respond negatively. What aspects of the text have positioned you to respond this way? You may want to consider representations, characterization, voice - quote in support. Abigail: Abigail is immediately portrayed as vengeful and manipulative through her harsh words and selfish behavior. In Act One, Abigail is on the brink of being accused of witchcraft when she skillfully pins the blame on Tituba, her maid, and other outcasts of Salem. Abigail’s motivations of simple jealousy and a desire to have revenge on, and ultimately dispose of Elizabeth Proctor, characterize her as a devious and spiteful young girl . In particular, her character's dialogue develop's Abigail's horrible nature. She speaks uncivilly to all the girls involved in the events that sparked the hysteria and is able to frighten them into doing what she wishes. "Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you." (p. 26) is one of Abigail's first threats towards the other girls in an attempt to hide the 'Devil's folly,' in which she participated. Although Abigail is conniving, she is somewhat misguided in her actions and perhaps does not completely understand the extent of the hysteria she unleashed. John Proctor: On the other hand, John Proctor, could be described as the The Crucible's protagonist. Proctor's first appearance in the play portrays him as someone who is 'not easily led' in the supposedly 'Puritan' society. He speaks his mind and realizes the hypocrisy that occurs in Salem. Proctor displays his dislike for Parrish' running of the church when he quotes, "Can you speak one minute without we land in Hell again? I am sick of Hell.......I may speak my heart, I think!" (p.35). This quote also clearly illustrates Proctor's self determining and autonomous nature when he chooses to express his opinion of Reverend Parris' preaching. Although Proctor does not have complete faith in the church of Salem, he still has a moral compass. After his affair with Abigail Williams, Proctor comes to view himself as a sinner and fraud, regardless of his respected status among other members of the community. As a result, John makes every effort to stay away from Abigail and please his wife, Elizabeth, despite their awkward and tense relationship. This can be seen when Proctor tells Abby he'll "not be coming for her anymore," when Abigail tries to manipulate him, yet again. Although Proctor is characterized as a good man, he has one fatal flaw - his lust for Abigail resulting in his ongoing, personal, internal conflict.