How Does Miller Present Abigail in Act 1 of ‘the Crucible’?

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How does Miller present Abigail in Act 1 of ‘The Crucible’? Abigail is portrayed very early on in act 1 as a girl who very much lacks respect for others. Specifically Elizabeth Proctor, whom she describes as a “bitter woman” when talking to her uncle, Reverend Parris. The adjective “bitter” suggests that Goody Proctor only thinks of herself and expresses intense hostility. Miller uses irony in this as it is in fact Abigail who shows these attributes towards Elizabeth after Abby’s affair with John Proctor and becomes jealous of their marriage. It also shows her cold resentfulness towards Elizabeth when she suggests Elizabeth is making up lies to get Abigail into trouble. Abby also shows a lack of respect when she refers to Goody Proctor as “It’s”. By objectifying Elizabeth it shows that Abby has little appreciation for her, again showing utter revulsion. The impersonal term lowers the importance of Elizabeth giving the impression that Abigail sees herself above Goody Proctor. Miller implies that Abby sees herself superior to others when she says that she won’t “black” her face for anyone. This links to Abby placing blame on Tituba, the households Barbados slave, later on in act 1 as she is an easy target who’s not respected and has no say. Abigail is implying that black people are slaves and she is superior to them so she refuses to work for Elizabeth if it means Abby is treated poorly Abby is also shown as being sly or cunning later on in act 1, knowing how to talk to people in order to get her way. To the girls, she is brutal and vicious, throwing threats such as “... I will come to you in...some terrible night...” The auxiliary verb “will” implies that she’s not scared to hurt them or afraid of the consequences. It also shows that she can hurt them and would see it to the end if they go against her. She intimidates the girls into doing her bidding showing her
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