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Does Abigail Williams Cause Mass Hysteria In The Crucible

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During the late 17th century a total of 200 people were accused of participating in witchcraft, while 19 people lost their lives to the mass hysteria. In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a group of girls start a huge uproar in Salem, Massachusetts when they start screeching about Salemites being associated with the Devil. Throughout the play write, it shows the consequences of mass hysteria and how it puts people's lives in danger. Abigail Williams causes a wave of mass hysteria and because of her trickery, innocent people have died by her and the other girl’s actions, for this Abigail is the most unforgivable character in The Crucible. Abigail is the most unforgivable character because of her actions that forced innocent people to get hurt. For example, she has an obsession towards John Proctor before and after their affair, and will do anything to get him to acknowledge her again. Abigail shows her …show more content…

It is a horrifying to be Since the beginning, Abigail has told lies that are excruciating. Abigail screams out “I want to open myself! I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the devil; I saw him; I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand. I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil! (Miller.1.1050). With Abigail's careless act, the town is in despair, every time she would create a lie it would turn people against each other. Even when these group of people have been living with each other years, with one action from Abigail they are automatically believing each person is associated with the Devil. Questioningly, Abigail says “Why? Why do you come, yellow bird?” (Miller.3.991). Once again, Abigail uses spectral evidence to get her way. Being accused of lying is very inconsiderate in Abigail's eyes. Each time she talks she creates more lies that the younger girls

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