Module 1: The Crucible Act One

XSIQ
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English - Abigail

Abigail

Abigail's cunning and manipulative nature is revealed instantly. The stage
directions indicate that she is "A STRIKINGLY BEAUTIFUL GIRL WITH AN
ENDLESS CAPACITY FOR DISSEMBLING". Act One sees Abigail in a series of
confrontations with her uncle, the other girls and with Proctor. Abigail
uses her charm, sexuality and youth to engineer all situations to her
advantage. She is direct, even brazen, and confident of her power over
other characters.

The confrontation with Parris, Abigail's uncle, reveals to the audience
that Abigail is not all that she seems. During the early part of Act One
Abigail acts innocently, feigning care for her cousin and understanding of
her uncle's desperate situation. She uses her youth as an excuse for her
behaviour, admits she has done wrong and calls for her punishment. She acts
outraged at the suggestion her name is not 'white' and is able to subdue
her uncle's rage at her by appealing to his sense of guilt, "DO YOU
BEGRUDGE ME MY BED, UNCLE?".

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