Unraveling Elizabeth’s Suspicions- Why She Believes Abigail Is Out to Get Her
Why does Elizabeth think that Abigail wants to kill her? This question is central to the intrigue and suspense of the play “The Crucible” by Arthur Miller. Elizabeth Proctor, the wife of John Proctor, is convinced that her rival, Abigail Williams, harbors a sinister motive against her. This suspicion is rooted in a series of events and Abigail’s behavior, which raises Elizabeth’s suspicion and leads her to believe that Abigail’s actions are driven by a desire to eliminate her from John’s life.
Elizabeth’s suspicion is first ignited by Abigail’s relentless pursuit of John Proctor. Despite being banished from the Proctor household for her affair with John, Abigail returns and continues to manipulate and seduce him. Elizabeth witnesses this behavior and becomes increasingly concerned about Abigail’s intentions. When Abigail falsely accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft, Elizabeth is forced to confront the possibility that her rival’s obsession with John has driven her to extreme measures.
Abigail’s obsession with John is not the only reason Elizabeth suspects her of wanting to kill her. Abigail’s behavior is characterized by deceit, manipulation, and a lack of remorse. She is willing to lie and concoct false accusations to achieve her goals, and Elizabeth recognizes that this type of person is capable of committing heinous acts. When Abigail falsely accuses Elizabeth of witchcraft, it is a clear indication of her willingness to resort to any means necessary to eliminate her rival.
Furthermore, Elizabeth’s own experiences with Abigail provide further evidence of her belief that Abigail wants to kill her. Elizabeth has witnessed Abigail’s cruelty and vindictiveness firsthand, as Abigail has sought revenge on Elizabeth for her role in exposing her affair with John. Elizabeth knows that Abigail is capable of anything to get what she wants, and she fears that this could include taking her life.
In conclusion, Elizabeth’s suspicion that Abigail wants to kill her is based on a combination of Abigail’s obsession with John, her deceitful and vindictive behavior, and her willingness to resort to extreme measures to achieve her goals. Elizabeth’s fear is not unfounded, as Abigail’s actions throughout the play demonstrate her capacity for violence and her relentless pursuit of power. This suspicion adds to the tension and suspense of “The Crucible,” as Elizabeth grapples with the possibility that her life is in danger due to Abigail’s malevolent intentions.
