1.) What does Hester now say about her scarlet letter to Chillingworth?
The Scarlet letter will always be present inside her; it makes her who she is. She will not take it off; it will come off when it is ready. “Were it worthy to be quit of it, it would fall away of its own nature, or be transformed into something that should speak a different purport” (153)
2.) Describe Chillingworth physically.
Chillingworth “wore his age well” and “seemed to retain a wirey vigor and alertness.” Chillingworth was eager and fierce, but tried to hide his identity with a smile. Hester saw a red light from his eyes, as if his soul were on fire. “Roger Chillingworth was a striking evidence of man’s faculty of transforming himself into a devil” (153).
3.) What do we find out Dimmesdale’s true "death" is, and how does he suffer it?
Every day Dimmesdale is dying. Chillingworth has kept him alive, this allows him to torture Dimmesdale all the time, “Your clutch is on his life, and you cause him to die daily a living death; and still he knows you not” (154).
4.) Describe exactly how Chillingworth has treated Dimmesdale and why he has treated him that way.
He has control over every aspect of his life. Chillingworth wanted him to live, so could torture him, “But for my aid, his life would have burned away in torments, within the first two years after the perpetration of his crime and thine” (155). If Dimmesdale died, Chillingworth would not have a chance to get revenge and cause him to suffer.
5.) Why has Dimmesdale increased his debt to Chillingworth?
As a result of Dimmesdale, Chillingworth has become a different person, “No life had been more peaceful and innocent than mine; few lives so rich with benefits conferred” (156). Dimmesdale has brought the worst out in him. He no longer does things for good.
6.) Is Chillingworth’s argument valid about that point?
Chillingworth has become an evil person, but he chose to be. He decided to devout his life to torturing Dimmesdale, “His fame, his position, his life, will be in my hands. Beware!" (71)
7.) What is the final resolution between Hester and Chillingworth? Is there one?
There is no resolution between Hester and Chillingworth. Chillingworth refuses to stop seeking revenge. He believes they committed a serious sin, and must live with the consequences. Their fate will decide their future, “Let the black flower blossom as it may!” (157)
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
The Scarlet Letter 6: 126-144
“But this very burden it was that gave him sympathies so intimate with the sinful brotherhood of mankind, so that his heart vibrated in unison with theirs, and received their pain into itself, and sent its own throb of pain through a thousand other hearts, in gushes of sad, persuasive eloquence.” (129)
Dimmesdale’s sin is burning inside himself. He wants to tell so badly, but he cannot. If he confesses, everything he stands for will be disregarded. When Dimmesdale discusses his sins in his sermons, the people believe he is holier. Since everyone believes Dimmesdale is just being humble, he feels guiltier. Dimmesdale is tortured and his attempts to be honest fail, “He had spoken the truth, and transformed it into the veriest falsehood” (131). Even if Dimmesdale does confess, the people will not believe him.
“Then, and there, before the judgment-seat, thy mother, and thou, and I must stand together. But the daylight of this world shall not see our meeting!” (139)
Dimmesdale is seeking forgiveness by standing on the scaffold where Hester and Pearl stand every day. Through engaging with them in their punishment, Dimmesdale hopes he will be freed from his guilt. Pearl hopes that Dimmesdale will confess soon, and stand with them every day. He has to wait until, “the great judgment day” before he can confess. On that day, God will be his final judge, and until then, no one can know.
Questions:
Do Dimmesdale's visions of the scarlet letter mean he will confess soon?
How did the letter A appear in the sky?
Dimmesdale’s sin is burning inside himself. He wants to tell so badly, but he cannot. If he confesses, everything he stands for will be disregarded. When Dimmesdale discusses his sins in his sermons, the people believe he is holier. Since everyone believes Dimmesdale is just being humble, he feels guiltier. Dimmesdale is tortured and his attempts to be honest fail, “He had spoken the truth, and transformed it into the veriest falsehood” (131). Even if Dimmesdale does confess, the people will not believe him.
“Then, and there, before the judgment-seat, thy mother, and thou, and I must stand together. But the daylight of this world shall not see our meeting!” (139)
Dimmesdale is seeking forgiveness by standing on the scaffold where Hester and Pearl stand every day. Through engaging with them in their punishment, Dimmesdale hopes he will be freed from his guilt. Pearl hopes that Dimmesdale will confess soon, and stand with them every day. He has to wait until, “the great judgment day” before he can confess. On that day, God will be his final judge, and until then, no one can know.
Questions:
Do Dimmesdale's visions of the scarlet letter mean he will confess soon?
How did the letter A appear in the sky?
Monday, December 15, 2008
The Scarlet Letter 5: 107-126
“To sum up the matter, it grew to be a widely diffused opinion, that the Reverend Arthur Dimmesdale, like many other personages of especial sanctity, in all ages of the Christian world, was haunted either by Satan himself, or Satan emissary, in the guise of old Roger Chillingworth” (116).
When Chillingworth arrived in the town, he was well regarded, “Heaven had wrought an absolute miracle”(110). It was a blessing for him to cure their beloved Reverend Dimmesdale. The downside was that through being around Chillingworth, Dimmesdale’s health suffered. As days went by, not only did Dimmesdale become unhealthier, but Chillingworth’s appearance became different, “something ugly and evil in his face” (116). It did not take long for the townspeople to pick up on Chillingworth’s evil intentions. Since most people did not spend time with Indians, Chillingworth created even more suspicion among the townspeople. Their only explanation for his presence was that he was Satan or a follower of Satan. His only goal was to harm their adored Reverend.
“Why should a wretched man, guilty, we will say of murder, prefer to keep the dead corpse buried in his own heart, rather than fling it forth at once, and let the universe take care of it!” (120)
Dimmesdale was determined to find Pearl’s father, so much to the extent of moving in with a suspect. Once he found him, he would torture him. Chillingworth would do whatever it took to get revenge. He was obsessed with hurting Dimmesdale; he wanted to play with his conscience. Chillingworth offered subtle hints that suggested he knew Dimmesdale was the father of Pearl. His goal was to guilt Dimmesdale into confessing. Chillingworth got the best of Dimmesdale. He was able to force Dimmesdale into saying he will never share his sin with him. This suggests he has committed a serious sin. In the end, Dimmesdale believes what he says does not matter because God will either save him or let him die.
Questions:
Does Dimmesdale suspect Chillingworth knows his sin?
If the people think Chillingworth is the Devil, will they do anything to get rid of him?
When Chillingworth arrived in the town, he was well regarded, “Heaven had wrought an absolute miracle”(110). It was a blessing for him to cure their beloved Reverend Dimmesdale. The downside was that through being around Chillingworth, Dimmesdale’s health suffered. As days went by, not only did Dimmesdale become unhealthier, but Chillingworth’s appearance became different, “something ugly and evil in his face” (116). It did not take long for the townspeople to pick up on Chillingworth’s evil intentions. Since most people did not spend time with Indians, Chillingworth created even more suspicion among the townspeople. Their only explanation for his presence was that he was Satan or a follower of Satan. His only goal was to harm their adored Reverend.
“Why should a wretched man, guilty, we will say of murder, prefer to keep the dead corpse buried in his own heart, rather than fling it forth at once, and let the universe take care of it!” (120)
Dimmesdale was determined to find Pearl’s father, so much to the extent of moving in with a suspect. Once he found him, he would torture him. Chillingworth would do whatever it took to get revenge. He was obsessed with hurting Dimmesdale; he wanted to play with his conscience. Chillingworth offered subtle hints that suggested he knew Dimmesdale was the father of Pearl. His goal was to guilt Dimmesdale into confessing. Chillingworth got the best of Dimmesdale. He was able to force Dimmesdale into saying he will never share his sin with him. This suggests he has committed a serious sin. In the end, Dimmesdale believes what he says does not matter because God will either save him or let him die.
Questions:
Does Dimmesdale suspect Chillingworth knows his sin?
If the people think Chillingworth is the Devil, will they do anything to get rid of him?
Sunday, December 14, 2008
The Scarlet Letter 4: 91-107
“She resembled, in her fierce pursuit of them, an infant pestilence, - the scarlet fever, or some such half-fledged angel of judgment, - whose mission was to punish the sins of the rising generation” (93).
Pearl is the scarlet letter in action. Instead of remaining calm, Pearl solves her problems in an uncivilized way. Even though she is young, she will not let anyone talk to her in a negative way. Her offensive nature suggests she is the devil’s child, a product of sin. If Pearl was the product of sin, Hester cannot keep her. Hester needs Pearl because she will keep her from the darkness. Pearl will remind the townspeople that Hester is not the only one who sinned. If anyone insults her or her mother in the future, they would be punished.
"Would it be beyond a philosopher’s research, think ye, gentlemen, to analyze that child’s nature, and, from its make and mould, to give a shrewd guess at the father?" (106)
Chillingforth’s appearance has changed, “how much uglier they were,-how his dark complexion seemed to have grown duskier, and his figure more misshapen (102). His dark appearance suggests his evilness and obsessive desire to get revenge. Since, Chillingworth wants to guess who the father is, he may already know. Mr. Wilson protects Hester and Pearl through saying it is unnecessary. There is some good in the town, not everyone wants to see Hester and Pearl suffer.
Questions:
Does Mr. Wilson know who Pearl’s father is?
Why do they want to take Pearl away from Hester?
Pearl is the scarlet letter in action. Instead of remaining calm, Pearl solves her problems in an uncivilized way. Even though she is young, she will not let anyone talk to her in a negative way. Her offensive nature suggests she is the devil’s child, a product of sin. If Pearl was the product of sin, Hester cannot keep her. Hester needs Pearl because she will keep her from the darkness. Pearl will remind the townspeople that Hester is not the only one who sinned. If anyone insults her or her mother in the future, they would be punished.
"Would it be beyond a philosopher’s research, think ye, gentlemen, to analyze that child’s nature, and, from its make and mould, to give a shrewd guess at the father?" (106)
Chillingforth’s appearance has changed, “how much uglier they were,-how his dark complexion seemed to have grown duskier, and his figure more misshapen (102). His dark appearance suggests his evilness and obsessive desire to get revenge. Since, Chillingworth wants to guess who the father is, he may already know. Mr. Wilson protects Hester and Pearl through saying it is unnecessary. There is some good in the town, not everyone wants to see Hester and Pearl suffer.
Questions:
Does Mr. Wilson know who Pearl’s father is?
Why do they want to take Pearl away from Hester?
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
The Scarlet Letter 3: 72-91
"But it is not recorded that, in a single instance, her skill was called in aid to embroider the white veil which was to cover the pure blushes of a bride. The exception indicated the ever-relentless rigor with which society frowned upon her sin." (76)
Despite Hester’s beautiful handiwork, she was still hated by society and regarded as an outcast. Given the option to leave, Hester chose to stay, partly because her work “became what would now be termed the fashion” (76). The unique gift of needlework allowed her to support her daughter and herself. Everyone from the Governor to the little children wore her craftwork. That is everyone, except for brides. Brides were to be a symbol of purity and innocence, exactly what Hester was not. Not being able to embroider a bride’s veil was a result of Hester’s sin. Even the things that brought her pleasure, such as needlework, reminded her of her big mistake. If every aspect of her life revolved around the sin she committed, she would never be completely free from it.
"In giving her existence, a great law had been broken; and as the result was a being whose elements were perhaps beautiful and brilliant, but all in disorder; or with peculiar to themselves, amidst which the point of variety and arrangement was difficult or impossible to be discovered.” (83)
To Hester, Pearl was a blessing in disguise. Even though she was the result of a terrible sin, she was a gift from God. Pearl was the reason for Hester’s isolation, but she served as a reminder that there was some good among mostly evil. Pearl was, “her mother’s only treasure” (81) and brought her so much joy. Even though both Hester and Pearl were isolated and disliked by the townspeople, they had each other. Just like a pearl, Hester’s daughter was unique. Pearl’s special personality had the ability to change the way her mother viewed life.
Questions:
If everyone hated Hester so much, why did they want to wear something created by her?
Will the townspeople ever forgive Hester or Pearl, who did nothing wrong?
Despite Hester’s beautiful handiwork, she was still hated by society and regarded as an outcast. Given the option to leave, Hester chose to stay, partly because her work “became what would now be termed the fashion” (76). The unique gift of needlework allowed her to support her daughter and herself. Everyone from the Governor to the little children wore her craftwork. That is everyone, except for brides. Brides were to be a symbol of purity and innocence, exactly what Hester was not. Not being able to embroider a bride’s veil was a result of Hester’s sin. Even the things that brought her pleasure, such as needlework, reminded her of her big mistake. If every aspect of her life revolved around the sin she committed, she would never be completely free from it.
"In giving her existence, a great law had been broken; and as the result was a being whose elements were perhaps beautiful and brilliant, but all in disorder; or with peculiar to themselves, amidst which the point of variety and arrangement was difficult or impossible to be discovered.” (83)
To Hester, Pearl was a blessing in disguise. Even though she was the result of a terrible sin, she was a gift from God. Pearl was the reason for Hester’s isolation, but she served as a reminder that there was some good among mostly evil. Pearl was, “her mother’s only treasure” (81) and brought her so much joy. Even though both Hester and Pearl were isolated and disliked by the townspeople, they had each other. Just like a pearl, Hester’s daughter was unique. Pearl’s special personality had the ability to change the way her mother viewed life.
Questions:
If everyone hated Hester so much, why did they want to wear something created by her?
Will the townspeople ever forgive Hester or Pearl, who did nothing wrong?
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Scarlet Letter 2: 56-72
“Be not silent from any mistaken pity and tenderness for him; for, believe me, Hester, though he were to step down from a high place, and stand there beside thee, on thy pedestal of shame, yet better were it so, than hide a guilty heart through life.” (63)
Why will Hester not acknowledge the person who engaged in the sin with her? Reverend Dimmesdale believes being silent will not benefit the sinner. He insists the man is too fearful to come forth and admit his own sins. Therefore, she must confess for him. If she confesses for the man, he will have nothing to hide, and she will be helping him. If she is suffering, so should the man. Even if no one knows who the father is, he will live with a guilty heart. Hester tries to protect the reputation of her accomplice. Similarly, Proctor tried to protect the reputation of the townspeople, “Did you ever see anyone with the devil?” “No, I did not” (140).
Even if I imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could I do better for my object than to let thee live,-than to give thee medicines against all harm and peril of life- so that this burning shame may blaze upon thy bosom? (68)
Roger Chillingworth’s view of Hester contrasted the view most townspeople had of her. He is not seeking revenge on Hester; instead he wants to help her. He feels sympathy for her, and given the chance, he would free her from all the trouble she faces. In Salem, all the people sought vengeance, “All tell you what’s walking Salem-vengeance is walking Salem” (77). They wanted everyone to suffer. Even if Chillingforth wanted vegeance, killing her would not help him.
Questions:
Why does Chillingworth want to live and die unknown?
Does Roger Chillingworth really want to help Hester?
Why will Hester not acknowledge the person who engaged in the sin with her? Reverend Dimmesdale believes being silent will not benefit the sinner. He insists the man is too fearful to come forth and admit his own sins. Therefore, she must confess for him. If she confesses for the man, he will have nothing to hide, and she will be helping him. If she is suffering, so should the man. Even if no one knows who the father is, he will live with a guilty heart. Hester tries to protect the reputation of her accomplice. Similarly, Proctor tried to protect the reputation of the townspeople, “Did you ever see anyone with the devil?” “No, I did not” (140).
Even if I imagine a scheme of vengeance, what could I do better for my object than to let thee live,-than to give thee medicines against all harm and peril of life- so that this burning shame may blaze upon thy bosom? (68)
Roger Chillingworth’s view of Hester contrasted the view most townspeople had of her. He is not seeking revenge on Hester; instead he wants to help her. He feels sympathy for her, and given the chance, he would free her from all the trouble she faces. In Salem, all the people sought vengeance, “All tell you what’s walking Salem-vengeance is walking Salem” (77). They wanted everyone to suffer. Even if Chillingforth wanted vegeance, killing her would not help him.
Questions:
Why does Chillingworth want to live and die unknown?
Does Roger Chillingworth really want to help Hester?
Sunday, December 7, 2008
The Scarlet Letter 1: 45-56
"Why, look you, she may cover it with a brooch, or such like heathenish adornment, and so walk the streets as brave as ever.” (49)
The letter A elaborately embroidered with gold thread on her dress showed that Hester did not need to cover it up in order to be proud. Since she was a seamstress, she had the option of making it small and hiding it, like one of the townspeople suggested. To them, wearing a garment confidently was not a suitable punishment. Everyone wanted to see her suffer in the worst possible way. As one woman stated, “Let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will always be in her heart” (49), they had no sympathy for her. Hester accepted her sin, but she would have to live with the consequences forever. No one will try to stand up for her. Similarly, no one tried to stand up for the "witches" in The Crucible.
“In our nature, however, there is a provision, alike marvelous and merciful, that the sufferer should never know the intensity of what he endures by its present torture, but chiefly by the pang that rankles after it” (52).
The townspeople have no sympathy for a sinner. For Hester, just walking to the market place with an A on her dress was torture. Standing on a platform where everyone could laugh at her was even worse. In The Crucible, death would be an awful punishment for Proctor. What was waiting for him in hell would be unbearable, “God damns our kind especially, and we will burn together” (120). Hester will never know the seriousness of her crime through the current punishment. The worse is always yet to come.
Questions:
Why does Hester not make an attempt to hide the letter A?
Does she feel any shame in wearing it? If she doesn’t, will she receive another punishment?
The letter A elaborately embroidered with gold thread on her dress showed that Hester did not need to cover it up in order to be proud. Since she was a seamstress, she had the option of making it small and hiding it, like one of the townspeople suggested. To them, wearing a garment confidently was not a suitable punishment. Everyone wanted to see her suffer in the worst possible way. As one woman stated, “Let her cover the mark as she will, the pang of it will always be in her heart” (49), they had no sympathy for her. Hester accepted her sin, but she would have to live with the consequences forever. No one will try to stand up for her. Similarly, no one tried to stand up for the "witches" in The Crucible.
“In our nature, however, there is a provision, alike marvelous and merciful, that the sufferer should never know the intensity of what he endures by its present torture, but chiefly by the pang that rankles after it” (52).
The townspeople have no sympathy for a sinner. For Hester, just walking to the market place with an A on her dress was torture. Standing on a platform where everyone could laugh at her was even worse. In The Crucible, death would be an awful punishment for Proctor. What was waiting for him in hell would be unbearable, “God damns our kind especially, and we will burn together” (120). Hester will never know the seriousness of her crime through the current punishment. The worse is always yet to come.
Questions:
Why does Hester not make an attempt to hide the letter A?
Does she feel any shame in wearing it? If she doesn’t, will she receive another punishment?
Saturday, December 6, 2008
Crucible Essay #2
Aristotle famously stated, “Man perfected by society is the best of all animals; he is the most terrible of all when he lives without law and without justice.” Abigail Williams had no sense of justice, making her a despicable human being. Abigail was guilty of performing an endless number of crimes, one right after the other. Never once did she learn from her mistakes, apologize for them, or regret doing them. Abigail’s lust, fear, insecurity, and jealousy influenced her decision to lie and manipulate others; this led up to her treacherous fall.
If Abigail and Proctor initially engaged in the same crime, what makes Abigail more detestable? It is because Abigail continued committing crimes and felt no remorse for her actions. Proctor was “a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of the time, but against his own vision of decent conduct” (Miller 20). He was not living up to his own standards, which meant he would suffer. Proctor was so ashamed of his actions he could not die with the townspeople because he would be dying like a saint, “They think to go like saints. I like not to spoil their names” (141). Even though Abigail committed more serious crimes than Proctor, in her eyes, she did nothing wrong. In Salem there was “no ritual for the washing away of the sins” (20). If this was the case, there was nothing Abigail could do about her sins because they did not matter. Abigail, unlike Proctor, failed to confess and was responsible for more crimes; therefore, Abigail is the most detestable.
If the justice system we have today was present in 1692, Abigail would have committed several felonies. Now, engaging in criminal activity requires the criminal to pay a heavy fine and a sentence in jail. Abigail Williams committed perjury; this cost innocent people their lives. When Danforth relied on her to tell the truth, she insisted it other people were incorrect, “It is a lie, sir” (103). Abigail is guilty of fraud, which is a deception made for personal gain to damage another individual. It is clear Abigail is responsible of this when she accuses different girls of being witches, “I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the devil” (48). Abigail’s only intention was to shift the blame off herself. This leads to the crime of attempted murder. Abigail is guilty of this because she had the full intent to commit murder, but was not willing to carry out the act. Next, Abigail stole thirty-one pounds from her uncle, “Thirty-one pound is gone. I am penniless” (126). Perjury, fraud, attempted murder, and robbery, are all criminal offenses. Anyone who commits a criminal offense deserves to be punished.
Abigail used the right people at the right time, for her bad purposes. Good intentions turned into fatal mistakes. Being a kind person, Mary Warren made a doll for the woman she worked for, Elizabeth Proctor. Since Abigail sat right next to Mary Warren, she saw her place a needle in the poppet. The only purpose was for safekeeping, and nothing else. If Abigail was going to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, she was going to need sufficient evidence. If Abigail was to be stabbed in the stomach, conveniently, the doll in Elizabeth’s home would have a needle in it. If this was the case, Elizabeth must be practicing witchcraft. Abigail had Cheever enter and search the Proctor’s home for this doll; this is going against the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution has been the successful supreme law system in America for over two hundred years. The Fourth Amendment states, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized” (www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am4). Cheever had no warrant; therefore, he had no right to search their home. If the U.S. Constitution was in effect in 1692, Abigail would not have gotten away with this and Elizabeth would still be innocent. When compared to the foundation of our justice system, Abigail’s treachery is unparallel.
Maybe it is unfair to judge Abigail by the justice system of our time. Instead, she should be judged by the justice system of her time, the Ten Commandments. Since Salem was a theocratic society, religion should have controlled every aspect of Abigail’s life. Through breaking almost all of the Ten Commandments, Abigail epitomizes a sinner. Abigail first broke the commandment, you shall not commit adultery, when she had an affair with John Proctor. Abigail’s desire for Proctor, led her to break another Commandment, you shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. Through practicing witchcraft, Abigail was worshipping false gods. The combination of lying in court and blaming others, as well as stealing from her uncle, Abigail broke two more commandments, you shall not steal and you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. She lived under the household of Reverend Parris; therefore, she should have shown him respect, but she failed to do this. This led her to break the commandment of honoring thy mother and father. Considering if a member in Salem broke just one of these commandments, they were sentenced to hang by their necks, breath their last breaths, and lie lifeless in front of a boisterous crowd, what would be a suitable punishment for someone who broke six of these commandments? Under no justice system would Abigail be free from the treachery she caused.
If committing federal crimes and breaking the Commandments are not considered sins, what could be considered a sin? Not once did Abigail perform an act of kindness. She did not have an honest bone in her body, she mistreated her friends, and her only concern in life was how something would benefit her. Her manipulative nature allowed her to rule the town. Abigail claimed others sent out their spirits to harm her. However, she was the one who wanted to harm others. In some aspects, Abigail was guilty of this crime. She had everyone, including the judges, succumb to her. She was able to use her evil spirit to cast a spell on others into believing everything she said and did. If Abigail said Proctor was lying, he was lying. When faced in a situation that questioned her authority, Abigail resorted to her charm, “I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people-and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied, questioned like a-” (108). When the going got tough Abigail ran away. If Proctor lived by the motto, “do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee” (95), how was Abigail able to escape? Abigail escaped from Salem, but she would never escape from God. Proctor meant that those who are righteous will be rewarded in heaven. Abigail will never be rewarded in heaven; instead, her reward lies in hell.
“Life is nothing but a competition to be the criminal rather than the victim” (Bertrand Russel). Abigail won the competition. Despite being young, she was able to get the best of everyone. She manipulated the judges, and once they were under her spell, they believed all her lies. If someone is oblivious of your intentions, you can get away with anything, even murder. By the time Abigail’s true nature was revealed, it was too late; she had already disappeared. Maybe Abigail escaped Salem in time, but she will never escape the wrath of God.
If Abigail and Proctor initially engaged in the same crime, what makes Abigail more detestable? It is because Abigail continued committing crimes and felt no remorse for her actions. Proctor was “a sinner, a sinner not only against the moral fashion of the time, but against his own vision of decent conduct” (Miller 20). He was not living up to his own standards, which meant he would suffer. Proctor was so ashamed of his actions he could not die with the townspeople because he would be dying like a saint, “They think to go like saints. I like not to spoil their names” (141). Even though Abigail committed more serious crimes than Proctor, in her eyes, she did nothing wrong. In Salem there was “no ritual for the washing away of the sins” (20). If this was the case, there was nothing Abigail could do about her sins because they did not matter. Abigail, unlike Proctor, failed to confess and was responsible for more crimes; therefore, Abigail is the most detestable.
If the justice system we have today was present in 1692, Abigail would have committed several felonies. Now, engaging in criminal activity requires the criminal to pay a heavy fine and a sentence in jail. Abigail Williams committed perjury; this cost innocent people their lives. When Danforth relied on her to tell the truth, she insisted it other people were incorrect, “It is a lie, sir” (103). Abigail is guilty of fraud, which is a deception made for personal gain to damage another individual. It is clear Abigail is responsible of this when she accuses different girls of being witches, “I saw Sarah Good with the Devil! I saw Goody Osburn with the devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the devil” (48). Abigail’s only intention was to shift the blame off herself. This leads to the crime of attempted murder. Abigail is guilty of this because she had the full intent to commit murder, but was not willing to carry out the act. Next, Abigail stole thirty-one pounds from her uncle, “Thirty-one pound is gone. I am penniless” (126). Perjury, fraud, attempted murder, and robbery, are all criminal offenses. Anyone who commits a criminal offense deserves to be punished.
Abigail used the right people at the right time, for her bad purposes. Good intentions turned into fatal mistakes. Being a kind person, Mary Warren made a doll for the woman she worked for, Elizabeth Proctor. Since Abigail sat right next to Mary Warren, she saw her place a needle in the poppet. The only purpose was for safekeeping, and nothing else. If Abigail was going to accuse Elizabeth Proctor of being a witch, she was going to need sufficient evidence. If Abigail was to be stabbed in the stomach, conveniently, the doll in Elizabeth’s home would have a needle in it. If this was the case, Elizabeth must be practicing witchcraft. Abigail had Cheever enter and search the Proctor’s home for this doll; this is going against the Constitution. The U.S. Constitution has been the successful supreme law system in America for over two hundred years. The Fourth Amendment states, “The right of the people to be secure in their persons, houses, papers, and effects, against unreasonable searches and seizures, shall not be violated, and no Warrants shall issue, but upon probable cause, supported by Oath or affirmation, and particularly describing the place to be searched, and the persons or things to be seized” (www.usconstitution.net/const.html#Am4). Cheever had no warrant; therefore, he had no right to search their home. If the U.S. Constitution was in effect in 1692, Abigail would not have gotten away with this and Elizabeth would still be innocent. When compared to the foundation of our justice system, Abigail’s treachery is unparallel.
Maybe it is unfair to judge Abigail by the justice system of our time. Instead, she should be judged by the justice system of her time, the Ten Commandments. Since Salem was a theocratic society, religion should have controlled every aspect of Abigail’s life. Through breaking almost all of the Ten Commandments, Abigail epitomizes a sinner. Abigail first broke the commandment, you shall not commit adultery, when she had an affair with John Proctor. Abigail’s desire for Proctor, led her to break another Commandment, you shall not covet anything that belongs to your neighbor. Through practicing witchcraft, Abigail was worshipping false gods. The combination of lying in court and blaming others, as well as stealing from her uncle, Abigail broke two more commandments, you shall not steal and you shall not bear false witness against your neighbor. She lived under the household of Reverend Parris; therefore, she should have shown him respect, but she failed to do this. This led her to break the commandment of honoring thy mother and father. Considering if a member in Salem broke just one of these commandments, they were sentenced to hang by their necks, breath their last breaths, and lie lifeless in front of a boisterous crowd, what would be a suitable punishment for someone who broke six of these commandments? Under no justice system would Abigail be free from the treachery she caused.
If committing federal crimes and breaking the Commandments are not considered sins, what could be considered a sin? Not once did Abigail perform an act of kindness. She did not have an honest bone in her body, she mistreated her friends, and her only concern in life was how something would benefit her. Her manipulative nature allowed her to rule the town. Abigail claimed others sent out their spirits to harm her. However, she was the one who wanted to harm others. In some aspects, Abigail was guilty of this crime. She had everyone, including the judges, succumb to her. She was able to use her evil spirit to cast a spell on others into believing everything she said and did. If Abigail said Proctor was lying, he was lying. When faced in a situation that questioned her authority, Abigail resorted to her charm, “I have been near to murdered every day because I done my duty pointing out the Devil’s people-and this is my reward? To be mistrusted, denied, questioned like a-” (108). When the going got tough Abigail ran away. If Proctor lived by the motto, “do that which is good, and no harm shall come to thee” (95), how was Abigail able to escape? Abigail escaped from Salem, but she would never escape from God. Proctor meant that those who are righteous will be rewarded in heaven. Abigail will never be rewarded in heaven; instead, her reward lies in hell.
“Life is nothing but a competition to be the criminal rather than the victim” (Bertrand Russel). Abigail won the competition. Despite being young, she was able to get the best of everyone. She manipulated the judges, and once they were under her spell, they believed all her lies. If someone is oblivious of your intentions, you can get away with anything, even murder. By the time Abigail’s true nature was revealed, it was too late; she had already disappeared. Maybe Abigail escaped Salem in time, but she will never escape the wrath of God.
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