In Act One of the Crucible we are introduced to many character with conflicts. The focus goes towards Betty Parris, Reverend Parris’ daughter, who “is lying on the bed, inert.” The doctor can’t seem to find whats wrong with Betty, therefore people begin to say whatever is wrong with her must have something to do with witchcraft. The Reverend refuses to have that said since he has plenty of “enemies” and it would not be good for there to be such corruptness in his home. He questions his niece, Abigail about what it is that Betty and her were doing in the Forest. She claims that they only danced but there is more to what really happened in the forest and Abigail insists for it to remain a secret.
Abigail: “Listen, now; if they be questioning us, tell them we danced--- I told him as much already.” (Pg17)
Abigail tells Mercy that her uncle knows that she danced in the forest with Betty and warns her to not tell about anything else that happens. She doesn’t want it to be known that they did in fact do “witchcraft.”
Abigail had drank blood in hopes of killing John Proctor’s wife.
Question: Why would Mercy, Ruth, Mary, Tituba, and Betty help Abigail with the “witchcraft” to try to kill Goody Proctor?
In my opinion Ruth, Mary, Mercy, and Betty participated in the witchcraft to experience it- "a teenager thing." In addition, they all knew each other well enough to trust each other. They helped Abigail because they had nothing to lose or win- except Abigail.
ReplyDeleteI think Tituba tried to perform witchcraft on Goody Proctor because Abigail has threatened her in some way. I also think performing witchcraft and doing something forbidden has given the girls the rush they need in such a judgmental and tight-laced society such as Salem, Massachusets in that time period.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Liliana's comment. Its a teenager thing but they all helped. As well as kaelyn's comment. Its a little of both but it can also be for fun and besides since abby loves proctor, she will stop at nothing to get the love from goody proctor again.
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