Theme Of Archetypes In The Crucible

Throughout history, authors have had a tendency to write characters that can follow general roles, called archetypes. Examples of archetypes are the hero, the trickster, the temptress, the villain, the innocent and the faithful companion. In Arthur Miller's classic play, The Crucible, the character Abigail Williams fills the role of the villain.

One example of Abigail's villainy is the scene where her cousin, Betty Parris yells about Abigail having drank blood in the forest. When Abby tries to tell her to never say that, Betty replies by saying, "You did, you did! You drank a charm to kill John Procter's wife! You drank a charm to kill Goody Proctor!"(Act 1, Pg.19). Goody Procter is the wife of John Proctor, who she'd previously had an affair with meaning that even before the actual trials began Abigail had murderous and selfish goals.

She says ,"I have been hurt Mr. Danforth; I have seen my blood runnin' out! I have been near to murdered every day because I did my duty pointing out the Devil's people- and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied and questioned like a-"(Act 3, Pg. 108). This statement shows her that Abby likes her newfound power and will let no one take it away and power-hungriness is a villainous trait.

The scene that truly shows Abigail as the villain, is the scene where she leads accusations against former accuser Mary Warren when she tries to admit to faking the fits, driving her insane to the point that she rejoins the accusers. Even knowing the weakness of Mary, Abigail screamed accusations : "Oh, Mary, this is a black art to change your shape. No, I cannot, I cannot stop my mouth; it's God's work I do."(Act 3, Pg.115). Mary escapes by accusing John, which leads to his conviction and hanging, ironically ruining Abby's