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Compare And Contrast Abigail Williams And Elizabeth Proctor

Decent Essays

Arthur Miller truly does depict a fine summary of the true treacherous consequences of lying within his play The Crucible. Centered on the Salem Witch trials, a common theme emerges among some characters to betray others to save one’s own personal self, while others decide to retain their own dignity and moral compass. A select few characters even try to heal the damage and evil done to the townspeople and the court. Lust, fear, and cowardice drive the true evil force of betrayal, while logic, care, and forgiveness allow others to begin the process of moving on and helping other characters to also heal. No two characters represent each side better than those of Abigail Williams and Elizabeth Proctor. Abigail Williams wields …show more content…

Elizabeth is a mild, peaceful and caring mother who only means to maintain a healthy family household, but due to her husband foolish actions and the wrath of Abigail, she only receives hurt and hardship. It is unbelievably unjust for Elizabeth, who has only tried to heal her family and resume her life with John, is convicted of witchcraft, when in reality, Abigail is the real monster. Elizabeth is obviously hurt from John’s affair with Abigail, and only wants him to move on from her. Elizabeth tries to remind John by saying, “I do not,judge you. The magistrate sits in your heart that judges you. I never thought you but a good man, John - with a smile - only somewhat bewildered,” but for even suggesting that John confront Abigail, he becomes angry with her and accuses her of never letting anything go. Even with John’s hurtful reply, she just absorbs the pain and does not lash out. In addition to this, she still is a good wife, for in she and John’s last goodbye, she actually apologizes for her being somewhat unresponsive recently in their marriage, even though she has done nothing wrong. As is shown when Elizabeth says, “I have sins of my own to count. It needs a cold wife to prompt

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