Abigail Williams Key Quotes Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does Abigail Williams suggest about her character?

She is always truthful.

She always takes responsibility.

She has an endless capacity for dissembling. (correct)

She is very kind.

What does Abigail threaten to do if her friends reveal their witchcraft?

She will come to them in the black of some terrible night and bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder them.

What does Abigail say to John when she tries to seduce him?

Give me a word, John. A soft word.

How does Abigail describe Elizabeth Proctor?

She is a cold, sniveling woman, and you bend to her! Signup and view all the answers

Who does Abigail blame when she is accused of witchcraft?

Tituba. Signup and view all the answers

What does Abigail claim happens to her at night?

She comes to me every night to go and drink blood! Signup and view all the answers

What does Abigail declare regarding the light of God and the devil?

I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the devil. Signup and view all the answers

What does Abigail openly threaten Mr. Danforth?

Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you be so high and mighty that the power of hell may not turn your wits? Signup and view all the answers

How does Abigail react when accused of lying?

A wind, a cold wind, has come. (Her eyes fall on Mary Warren). Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Abigail Williams Key Quotes Summary

"with an endless capacity for dissembling" highlights her manipulative nature, suggesting she creates chaos and deceit effortlessly.
Threatens to harm her friends to keep witchcraft a secret: "Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word..." demonstrating her cruelty and willingness to protect herself at others' expense.
"Give me a word, John. A soft word." reflects her desperation for John Proctor's affection and illustrates her emotional instability.
Describes Elizabeth Proctor as "a cold, snivelling woman," showing her open disdain and bitterness towards Elizabeth, whom she blames for her unfulfilled desires.
When accused of witchcraft, she deflects blame onto Tituba, claiming, "She sends her spirit on me in church..." indicating her unwillingness to accept responsibility for her actions.
Continues to avoid accountability with the statement, "She comes to me every night to go and drink blood!" emphasizing her self-serving attitude.
Shows her desire for social acceptance and avoidance of blame by stating, "I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus! I danced for the devil." This reflects her attempt to redirect the focus onto others while grasping for attention.
Threatens Danforth with, "Let you beware, Mr Danforth..." as her confidence in her power escalates, manipulating the fears of others to maintain control.
When confronted by Hale, she deflects again, saying, "A wind, a cold wind, has come." This indicates her instinct to transfer suspicion onto others, revealing her selfishness and lack of trustworthiness.

Description

Explore key quotes from Abigail Williams in Arthur Miller's 'The Crucible'. This quiz will help you understand her manipulative and cruel nature through significant excerpts. Ideal for students analyzing the character's role in the play.