Editor's Choice
Describe the character Sarah Osborne from The Crucible.
Quick answer:
Sarah Osborne, from "The Crucible", is depicted as a defenseless social outcast and a drunkard, making her an easy target for witchcraft accusations. She is one of the first people accused by Tituba, influenced by Mr. Putnam's suggestion. Mrs. Putnam believes Osborne is responsible for the deaths of her three children, as she was their midwife, and her accusations are confirmed by Abigail Williams. Ultimately, Osborne is found guilty and sentenced to hang.
In Act One, the first people Tituba accuses of working for the Devil are Sarah Good and Goody Osborne. Interestingly, Mr. Putnam is the first to suggest Good and Osborne's names, which influences Tituba's testimony against them. Upon hearing that Sarah Osborne is involved in witchcraft, Mrs. Putnam mentions that she had a feeling Goody Osborne was working with the Devil because she was her midwife three times. Mrs. Putnam believes that Sarah Osborne is responsible for the deaths of her three children and says, "My babies always shriveled in her hands!" (Miller, 47). Abigail Williams quickly confirms Tituba's testimony and says that she also witnessed Goody Osborne with the Devil. Sarah Osborne is portrayed as a defenseless social outcast and a drunkard throughout the play, which explains why she was one of the first people targeted as a witch. Similar to Sarah Good, Goody Osborne does not have a positive reputation throughout Salem's community and is, thus, an easy person to target. When Mary Warren returns from Salem's court in Act Two, the audience learns that Goody Osborne was sentenced to hang for witchcraft.
Get Ahead with eNotes
Start your 48-hour free trial to access everything you need to rise to the top of the class. Enjoy expert answers and study guides ad-free and take your learning to the next level.
Already a member? Log in here.