Keefe 1

Emma Keefe

03/13/2023

Mr. Smith

A Block

End of Act 1 Paragraph

In the play The Crucible by Arthur Miller, he uses indirect characterization to

demonstrate the lack of trust people show towards people such as Abigail. Throughout the play

Abigail is caught telling many lies, here she tells one more to Reverend Parris. “But we never

conjured spirits”'(Miller 10).While in the forest the girls danced and did in fact conjure spirits,

Abigail told nothing but the opposite to the story to protect herself and Tibuta. Miller then moves

to the aftermath of the night of the girls in the forest. As Abigail talks to Betty she vocalizes,

“Shut it! Now shut it!” (Miller 18). While Abigail is shouting at Betty for saying she saw her

drink the blood, Abigail proceeds to strike her. Using the act of violence Abigail believes Betty

will keep her secret to herself. Miller then uses this sporadic action of Abigails to show that what

Betty might be saying is true. By Abigail striking Betty, she lost all of their friendship and trust.

Betty knowing the truth now may lead Abigail into danger if the community finds out she is a

witch. Miller Builds on this idea by introducing the affair Abigail indulges with John Proctor.

Abigail proceeds to shout at John, “I will not, I cannot! You loved me, John Proctor, and

whatever sin it is, you love me yet!”(Miller 21). During Act 1 Abigail is accused by Elizabeth

Proctor of having an affair with John Proctor, which is later revealed to be true. Abigail

continues to lie to her peers and herself even, while the rumors are spreading around, she tries to

clear as many as she can. Whether that be lying more to people or even threatening people with

violence. Miller's use of characterization and tone, reveals the real thoughts behind Abigail's
 Keefe 2

character. When introduced Abigail started off with telling little white lies to her peers, she then

continued further into threatening people. Finishing off Act 1 Abigail's character has started full

hysteria between herself and Salem.