The answer to this question is subjective; therefore, there isn't a definitive answer to it. Each reader needs to answer this individually and defend his or her answer. What I think most readers will agree with is that Miller's script shows that Abigail Williams played a major role in the witch trials, but I would hesitate to place the entirety of the blame on her. She is the first person in the play to say the word "witch"; however, she mentions it to Parris as a way of letting him know that other people are talking about witchcraft:
Uncle, the rumor of witchcraft is all about; I think you’d best go down and deny it yourself.
Abigail also firmly states that Betty's problem isn't caused by witchcraft:
Uncle, we did dance; let you tell them I confessed it—and I’ll be whipped if I must be. But they’re speakin’ of witch-craft. Betty’s not witched.
To be honest, I think Parris likely deserves a healthy share of the blame. He's the one that sent for Hale, and Hale is known for being...
(The entire section contains 4 answers and 715 words.)
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