How Does Abigail Williams Use Abuse Of Power In The Crucible

George Bernard Shaw once stated, “Power does not corrupt men; fools however, if they get into a position of power, corrupt power.” When given power you can either allow it to humble you or you can abuse it. The influence of power proves to show a person's true colors, bright, dark, vivid, or muted. The Crucible, written by Arthur Miller, reflects on the past Salem witch trials, however, Miller uses power as an underlying focal point to display the effects of corrupt influence. The struggle for power hangs over the heads of the citizens of Salem like a carrot over the head of a rabbit. Abigail Williams, the niece of Reverend Parris, is a seemingly powerless servant girl, however, she shakes the balance of their hackneyed life in Salem. John

Even so, Proctors power was undeniably failing to support him in his endeavors. The everchanging balance of power in the witch trials is driven by the formidable struggle between Abigail WIlliams and John Proctor.

Abigail Williams, formally an innocent girl, rose to power destroying the lives of the virtuous. She saw a chance to have power and she took it using her innocence. She learned to manipulate others from her experience in Salem. Almost everyone in Salem can turn on anyone at any moment and Abigail picked up on this behavior and used it to her advantage. When questioned if she had danced with the devil with the girls in the woods Abigail confessed however she twisted her words to “I want the light of God; I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced with the devil; I saw him, I wrote in his book; I go back to Jesus; I kiss His hand” in order to appear

Even through the trials and tribulations the balance of power was never equalized. Not until Johns final moments did he have something not to live for but to die for. Living for someone or something is one thing but dyeing displays true power and courage. Walking to his death John finally “has his goodness now. God, forbid [anyone] take it from him”; John took back his power for himself and nobody else (Miller 134). He knows what is in his heart and mind and will allow God to judge him from there. He knew he would be hanged so his final moments were not spent with regret but with goodness and bravery in his heart. However, Abigail could not stand to see John in this state, so she took the fearful way out by running away to not face her consequences. Reverend Parris realizes that “[He] cannot think they would run off except they fear to keep in Salem anymore” (Miller 126). Abigail was headed toward the same path as John and did not want to live to see that her power lead to the passing of the one she fought to have for her own. Abigail leaving was the final piece of the puzzle needed to solidify the fate of her character. Abigails character is always back and forth depending on the circumstance, so this final instant gives us the true glace at who she truly is; a manipulative, naïve, yet powerful child. Power is what gave Abigail the trust of Salem and