The Crucible Group

Question:

nicoleblue2010
nicoleblue2010
Student
High School - 11th Grade

In "The Crucible" what reasons does Abigail give Parris for her discharge as the Proctor's servant? What might be another reason?

Rate question:

Posted by nicoleblue2010 on Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 7:06 PM and tagged with abigail, parris, proctor, servant, the crucible.

Answers:


  1. mrs-campbell Teacher
    High School - 11th Grade

    eNotes Editor

    The reason she gives Parris is not the real reason.  She states that she was discharged from the Proctor household because Elizabeth didn't like her and wanted her to be a slave.  Although, she didn't say it that nicely.  Instead, she vindictively rants,"She hates me uncle, she must, for I would not be her slave.  It's a bitter woman, a lying, cold, sniveling woman, and I will not work for such a woman...Goody Proctor is a gossipy liar!"

    The real reason that she was discharged is because she was having an affair with John Proctor.  Elizabeth found out, and fired her; justified, certainly, but Elizabeth underestimated Abigails wrath.  Most of the events in the play, most especially Elizabeth's eventual arrest, can be tied to Abigail's hatred of Elizabeth, and her desire to be with John.

    Sources:
    http://www.enotes.com/crucible/act-scene-1-summary-analysis
    http://www.enotes.com/crucible/summary

    Rate answer:

    Posted by mrs-campbell on Wednesday January 28, 2009 at 8:42 PM