Abigail's Reputation In The Crucible

In The Crucible by Arthur Miller, a major theme that is presented is that of keeping one’s good reputation. Various characters throughout the novel struggle in keeping their perfect image in front of the entire community. Reverend Parris, his niece Abigail Williams, and John Proctor are some of the main characters who take into great consideration how they will be viewed as before making any decisions. This striving for an impeccable reputation causes to make some turning point actions throughout the play. Reverend Parris has a very active role in the community and becomes even more involved when the witch trials get completely out of hand. Possibly if Parris had told the truth about his daughter and niece then the entire incident with witches could have been avoided. However, Parris says to Abigail, “And what shall I say to them? That my daughter and my niece I discovered dancing like heathen in the forest?!” (Miller 1). He chooses to hide the truth for the sake of keeping a good image with the people of the town, so he will not loose his position of high status. Reverend Parris is power hungry and to achieve that his reputation must be clean. …show more content…
Her biggest concern is getting John Proctor, and she is willing to do anything to get him. Abigail even goes to the extent of accusing John Proctor’s wife of witch craft because, “She is blackening my name in the village! She is telling lies about me!” (Miller 7). Betty even says in the movie that Abigail was casting spells to kill Elizabeth Proctor. It shows how she plans on using the situation to her advantage and make herself look good to others but especially John Proctor. She does not care if she must take down the entire town just to gain herself a