ENGLISH LITERATURE (CBSE/UGC NET)

Detailed explanation-1: -Abigail Williams is a manipulative character in Arthur Miller’s play “The Crucible.” Miller illustrates this through the stage directions in Act One. It states, “…an endless capacity for dissembling.” (Miller 1130). This trait is how Abigail avoids conflict throughout the entire play.

Detailed explanation-2: -In The Crucible, Abigail was able to use the superstition and fear of witches against the town of Salem to manipulate them into turning against one another, faking that she was capable of scouting witches and their spirits, while she accused many so she will have a way to get rid Elizabeth while maintaining innocence.

Detailed explanation-3: -Abigail uses her authority to create an atmosphere of fear and intimidation. She threatens the other girls with violence if they refuse to go along with her plans, and she does not hesitate to accuse them of witchcraft if their loyalty proves untrue. Such is the case with Mary Warren.

Detailed explanation-4: -Abigail is vengeful, selfish, manipulative, and a magnificent liar. This young lady seems to be uniquely gifted at spreading death and destruction wherever she goes. She has an eerie sense of how to manipulate others and gain control over them. All these things add up to make her an awesome antagonist.

Detailed explanation-5: -WIth direct characterization, she is described as “a strikingly beautiful girl, an orphan, with an endless capacity for dissembling” which represents her manipulative nature. This also suggests that she is powerful in regards to her lies and is tactical when trying to ruin Elizabeth’s and Proctor reputation.