How Did Abigail Williams Obtain Power In The Crucible

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In Puritan times, women and children held little to no power compared to men. However, Abigail Williams, a 17-year-old girl, obtains power through accusations of witchcraft. To keep her own secrets, Abigail accuses Tituba, a black slave, of witchcraft. Tituba frantically confesses to avoid being hanged, and she and Abigail list names of other women who they claim are witches. These accusations, which only grow throughout the play, give power to the accuser. Characters who confess and name other “witches” are viewed as glorious people who ultimately choose God over the Devil, giving them power over others in the village. In contrast, characters who deny witchcraft claims are disgraced. Accused witches who do not confess are convicted and executed

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