Topic > Themes of Power in the Crucible - 1967

The evils of jealousy, greed, and ambition can be more powerfully destructive than any other kind of evil because they can cause corruption in someone in an instant. For example, Abigail is one of the biggest representatives of this theme because she has caused so much chaos due to her greed, jealousy, and ambition. In Act I, she has an affair with John and, due to his jealousy, with Elizabeth; she seduces him and it creates this sort of argument with her and Elizabeth. Then he accuses many people of being involved in witchcraft, which was very reckless and irrational. However, at that moment it may have seemed rational because everyone was in a state of confusion. He quickly called out the names of those who were in the forest with Betty. Abigail said, “I saw it; I wrote in his book; I return to Jesus; I kiss his hand. I saw Sarah Good with the devil! I saw good Osburn with the Devil! I saw Bridget Bishop with the Devil” (Act I page 1156)! Betty said, “I saw George Jacobs with the Devil! I saw Goody Howe with the devil” (Act 1 page 1157)! Because of what she said, Proctor asked Mary to testify in court. The man Abigail desired was sent to prison because he refused to answer Danforth's question. Danforth says, “What are you? You are combined with the antichrist, aren't you? I have seen your power; you won't deny it! What do you say, Minister” (act III page 1212)? Proctor answers Danforth's question by saying, “A fire, a fire is burning! I feel Lucifer's boot, I see his dirty face! And it is my face, and yours Danforth” (Act III pages 1212 and 1213)! Abigail's action created a chain of effects. Not only did he hurt Danforth, but he hurt others as well. Like Tituba who had good intentions from the beginning. Abigail made her look bad by accusing her without knowing her true intentions. . Tituba, accused by Abigail, told Hale that she had not forced Betty to give her soul to the Devil. He stands his ground firmly saying he loves Betty and how