What Ever Happened to Abigail Williams?
After denying what happened between John Proctor and I, and getting him wrongfully arrested, you would think someone as ruthless as I, Abigail Williams, would want to stick around to gloat. I was very tempted to do so, I will not lie. But being completely honest, the only reason I started all of this madness was to be rid of Elizabeth Proctor. All I wanted was to get John Proctor back for myself. But the moment he stood before everyone, and admitted to what we had done, I knew my chances were over. Even Elizabeth's lies told me it was done with. Her lying was her not only to protect John, but also to keep John for herself. So even though John ended up being arrested, I felt I was the one that needed to be taken away. What was the point in staying here if I could not have John Proctor? I wanted to free him of his wife so that I could take her place, but instead, he was taken from me. I won, but I also lost. I lost the one thing that I wanted.
There was no way I could stay in Salem and see Elizabeth's face everyday. Even though John was to be in jail, he would still be her's and not mine. I also knew I could not handle all the eyes on me. I was the girl that got many innocent people killed because of my lies. Lies that were told just so I could benefit myself. I knew there was only one thing I could do- leave. There was no reason for me to be here anymore, and I knew people would be out to get me. I could not go by myself, however. That would be all too humiliating. I found the ever loyal Mercy Lewis and convinced her that things were just as bad for her, and that she should come with me. I did not know where we'd go, all I knew was that it had to be anywhere but here. I told Reverend Parris that I would be spending the night at Mercy's house, and she told her parents a similar story. That night, Mercy and I broke into Parris's strongbox and took all his savings, all thirty one pounds. Wherever we were going, we would have to make sure we could leave Salem permanently. Leaving Salem was the only thing I could do. The only thing holding me here was John Proctor, and he was no longer mine. How could I stick around and watch everyone's eyes on me, see Elizabeth's smug face, and know that John Proctor had given up on me? Boarding a ship and taking off may sound irrational and impulsive, but what else was I to do? There was nothing left here for me in Salem. Perhaps I'll be able to fulfill my purpose somewhere else, with someone else.
There was no way I could stay in Salem and see Elizabeth's face everyday. Even though John was to be in jail, he would still be her's and not mine. I also knew I could not handle all the eyes on me. I was the girl that got many innocent people killed because of my lies. Lies that were told just so I could benefit myself. I knew there was only one thing I could do- leave. There was no reason for me to be here anymore, and I knew people would be out to get me. I could not go by myself, however. That would be all too humiliating. I found the ever loyal Mercy Lewis and convinced her that things were just as bad for her, and that she should come with me. I did not know where we'd go, all I knew was that it had to be anywhere but here. I told Reverend Parris that I would be spending the night at Mercy's house, and she told her parents a similar story. That night, Mercy and I broke into Parris's strongbox and took all his savings, all thirty one pounds. Wherever we were going, we would have to make sure we could leave Salem permanently. Leaving Salem was the only thing I could do. The only thing holding me here was John Proctor, and he was no longer mine. How could I stick around and watch everyone's eyes on me, see Elizabeth's smug face, and know that John Proctor had given up on me? Boarding a ship and taking off may sound irrational and impulsive, but what else was I to do? There was nothing left here for me in Salem. Perhaps I'll be able to fulfill my purpose somewhere else, with someone else.
I really enjoyed this explanation of Abigail’s actions from her perspective. It was very interesting how this explained why and how Abigail left in greater detail. In your opinion, how do you think Abigail would be treated if she had stayed in Salem rather than have left?
ReplyDeleteI enjoy your continuation of the ending of The Crucible because in the play since Abigail's leave feels abrupt and not satisfying. I think you did a good job of interpreting her character and how she would feel due to losing John Proctor. You voicing her thoughts about her regrets was satisfying to the me at least since she is never punished during the play. I also think you did great at highlighting what John meant to Abigail, that he was more than just a crush and instead, a very important figure in her view.
ReplyDeleteThe idea of this continuation is very cool. It takes the story in a different direction, especially putting it in Abigail's point of view. I think it was helpful to add the effect of other characters such as John Proctor on her as well. Do you think that Abigail's poisonous personality would continue in the world outside of Salem?
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