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Abigail gains the most power by accusing innocent people of witchcraft. She can say anything and the court will believe her. When she accuses Elizabeth Proctor of witchcraft it is mainly out of jealousy and resentment that Elizabeth is John Proctor's wife and not her. She enjoys having the power to ruin an innocent person's life, "oh, I marvel how such a strong man can be with such a sickly wife." (23).
Abigail confesses the pretense of her accusations to John Proctor when they were alone, but now Proctor has no way of proving to the court that she is lying.
Through Abigail Williams" character, Arthur Miller shows how the desire for power can destroy society and corrupt and individual causing them to be ruthless, resentful and deceitful.
Abigail was a ruthless girl who showed no mercy upon accusing her victims of witchcraft, and didn't hesitate at charging anyone she wished with the crime of the Devil's work. Miller shows Abigail's superiority as complex from the beginning. Abigail thinks she should be the authority, "Uncle, the rumor of witchcraft is all about; I think you"d best go down and deny it yourself." (9) She is showing her knowledge of social situations and giving her Uncle who is much older than her, advice. Abigail shows a character of superiority by her authoritative, prejudiced, and snobbish remarks.
Abigail shows a tinge of resentment when Mary Warren confesses that the witchcraft is only pretend. Abigail becomes angry at this and accused Mary of being a witch, too. Aurthur Miller's development of Abigail William's Character greatly affects the plot of the play. Her resentment toward those that betray her influence many of her decisions.
Abigail is deprived of attention and she seeks it from the community, causing the downfall of the entire puritan society.
"Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a ponty reckoning that will shudder you And you know I can do it.