The Crucible

Arthur Miller's powerful play "The Crucible" is dramatic tale set in the 17th century during the Salem Witch Trials, a time of social fear and paranoia. Throughout the course of the play, the characters engage in a series of desperate confrontations, the worst of which ends in death-the death of the innocent. The purpose of Miller's play is to simultaneously entertain his audience while offering to them a cautionary tale of what can happen when rumors and superstitions are taken too far. After completing "The Crucible" the following will be discussed: the relationship between John Proctor and Abigail, Abigail's manipulation, and John Proctor's confession.

The relationship between John Proctor and Abigail plays an important role throughout "The Crucible". The two in the past had an affair. Abigail is in love with John. However John no longer has feelings for her and he would never again have feelings for her. Abigail has a desire for John Proctor. She would do anything in order for her to be with John Proctor in which that makes her feelings for John unhealthy. The troubles in this relationship cause Abigail to act harshly towards the others in Salem.

The relationship with John Proctor is just one example of Abigail's manipulation. Abigail manipulates a lot of people around her. She manipulated Marry Warren into giving Elizabeth Proctor the poppet. She manipulated people into thinking the poppet was a voodoo doll of her and was made to harm her. Abigail stuck a pin in her stomach to show that the poppet was meant to hurt her. The poppet was seen with a pin in its stomach. She also manipulated John Proctor into thinking that she was only dancing in the woods. Finally, she manipulated people into thinking Elizabeth proctor and others committed witchcraft.

After Abigail led the courts into thinking that Marry Warren sent her spirits towards Abigail and the other girls John Proctor told