The Crucible Marxist Analysis

As early as the 18th century, it was recognized that lust for another could easily lead to other detrimental emotions. French novelist, Marquis de Sade, eloquently wrote, “Lust is to the other passions what the nervous fluid is to life; it supports them all, lends strength to them all ambition, cruelty, avarice, revenge, are all founded on lust.” Those who lust after another soon desire power and revenge. In Arthur Miller’s classic play, The Crucible, characters are created that illustrates these desires and how others are affected. This play takes place in 1692 in the Puritan New England town of Salem, Massachusetts. During this time, allegations of witchcraft were being raised and this resulted in the Salem Witch Trials. One of the main characters, Abigail Williams, is a driving force in the play as a strong antagonist. Because of her jealousy and

She first establishes power over the other women throughout the town by engaging in witchcraft and then placing the blame on others. She coldly lies and condemns others to guilt while keep her eye on the prize, John Proctor. Abigail precedes with her plan by falsely accusing Elizabeth of witchcraft. The guilt of Elizabeth will allow Abigail to fulfilled her desires of lust and revenge. She will eliminate Elizabeth and end up with John Proctor. However, the plan fails when John Proctor rises to the occasion and admits his guilt of adultery. In Act Three, John Proctor exclaims, “Excellency, forgive me, forgive me. She thinks to dance with me on my wife’s grave! And well she might!—for I thought of her softly, God help me, I lusted, and there is a promise in such sweat!” (Miller 110). Abigail, without one shred of remorse, turns on John Proctor and condemn to death. Although she is an insecure, lonely, young girl, she was able to use her skills of manipulation, power, insight to rise above the people of