Abigail Williams

Abigail Williams

1. Summary

   • Parris’ niece and an orphan who is “strikingly beautiful”.
   • She used to work for the Proctors but was thrown out of the house by Elizabeth after she discovered the affair.
   • Attempts to get revenge on Goody Proctor by drinking blood and summoning the devil.
     • Accentuated by her willingness to dance in the forest, the ease with which she lies and the violence with which she threatens the other girls into silence.
     • Acting out of a malicious delight.
   • Manipulative, evil and a forceful leader which goes against expectations of young girls in that time.
   • Protects herself from punishment for dancing in the woody by starting the witch trials and leads the flood of accusations.
   • Complete opposite of Elizabeth

2. Quotes

   • Page 21- “Do you begrudge my bed, uncle?"
     • Use of the question mark reveals how Abigail is challenging her uncle.
       • Suggests she is a more confident and powerful character than we would expect of an average 17 year old Salem girl.
     • Comma separates the diction ‘uncle'.
       • Emphasises the sense of Abigail’s authority and control as she pointedly emphasises the word that reveals the hold she has over Parris.
   • Page 21- “I will not have it said my name is soiled! Goody Proctor is a gossiping liar!”
     • Highlights importance of reputation within Salem
     • She is quick to blame others.
       • Revenge on Elizabeth
       • So she does not get into trouble
   • Page 29- “How do you call me child”
     • Highlights her anger with Proctor as he sees her as a child yet she is infatuated by him.
   • Page 96- “Let you beware, Mr. Danforth”
     • Clear sense of authority, and reveals how Abigail is in control of the situation.
     • The word 'beware' creates a threatening tone as she is challenging Danforth
   • Page 96 “Oh, Heavenly Father, take away this shadow!”
     • Reminds audience of her intelligence as she perfectly manipulates the situation to her advantage.
     • Hypocritical reference to God tricks the individuals in Salem reinforces Abigail’s cunning and devious character.
   • Page 49- “I want to open myself!” I want the light of God… I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil!”
     • The repetitive use of the exclamation marks increases the pace of her speech and serves to emphasise the absurdly melodramatic nature of her confession.

3. Stage Directions

   • Page 18- “An endless capacity for dissembling”
     • She is able to manipulate as a result of her beauty and intelligence
     • 'endless capacity' highlights how it remains constant throughout the text and she remains unchanged.
     • Miller doesn't care for her.
   • Page 92- "with a slight note of indignation"
     • Shows how she is a good actress and can try and act shocked at the accusations facing her.