Apology Letter

Dear Goody Proctor,
I know I'm the last person you would like to hear from. I realize I've caused you and your family much pain. I wish to cause no more harm but simply want to offer my apologies. I was convinced that John was just as much in love with me as I was with him. Every night, he would come to my room and would constantly tell me how beautiful I was. He made me feel special and made me believe that he wanted to be with me. I figured the only reason he couldn't be with me because of you but I was wrong. After he vehemently rejected me, I became infuriated and you were the object of my fury. I sincerely apologize for the agony I've implemented upon you. My overwhelming feelings for John clouded my judgment and lead me to seek vengeance. I have taken my uncle's ship and my time away from the village has made me reflect on my past actions. I am truly ashamed of what I have done and I hope you may forgive me and live in serenity knowing that I will not hurt you ever again.

Sincerely,
Abigail

CRUCIBLE: Character Analysis

Ashley Ducrepin
AP English 11 – Mr. George
12.17.09
Character Analysis

Mary Warren is a soft-spoken young girl who lacks the ability to think and speak for herself and is ultimately easily swayed by anyone.

Mary Warren is a follower. With an obsequious persona, Mary is easily swayed and dictated by others. Contrary to Abigail’s authoritative tone, Mary is much more timid, specifically when she is speaking: “Mary Warren, with a trembling, decayed voice” (Miller 56). Even after being falsely accused of witchcraft, Mary was incapable of defending herself efficiently. After denying seeing spirits, the court wondered why she fainted and she exclaimed, in between sobs, that she was simply pretending. Mary Warren was unable to pretend for the court, however as soon as Abigail and the girls allegedly began seeing spirits, Mary also chimed in: “Mary, as though infected, opens her mouth and screams with [Abigail and the girls]. Gradually Abigail and the girls leave off, until only Mary is left there, staring up at the ‘bird’, screaming madly” (118). It is evident that no threatening bird was present; this demonstrates Mary Warren’s ineptness and inability to think for herself.

Mary Warren is like the rodent called a Lemming. Lemmings tend to fall to their death when migrating in large groups as a result of following one another. They ultimately follow one another to death similar to Mary carelessly following Abigail and the group of girls. While she does not fall to her death, Mary definitely falls into the wrath of Abigail, Proctor, and the court.

Mary Warren is like Patrick Star, Spongebob’s sidekick, because they both lack the ability to efficiently make individual decisions and ultimately look to their ring leader for assistance.

CRUCIBLE: END

DANFORTH: “If retaliation is your [Hale] fear, know this – I should hang ten thousand that dared to rise against the law, and an ocean of salt tears could not melt the resolution of the statues” (129).

This is an essential quote as it proves to exemplify the lengths Danforth is willing to take to preserve the “infallibility” of the court system. While his motives behind killing innocent people were clear, Danforth denied it claiming that the court system cannot make mistakes since it is a representation of the Lord himself. For that reason, Danforth maintained the initial accusations. With the possibility of the court’s deficiencies being revealed, Danforth begins to assertively defend the court. I sense that he is getting nervous. He even threatens to kill anybody who dares to even challenge his authority. It demonstrates Danforth’s obsession with power and the things he is willing to do in order to uphold the court system.

PROCTOR: “Nothing’s spoiled by giving them this lie that were not rotten long before” (136).

Proctor is a character to be commended for his insight and fortitude. Throughout the text, Proctor was a character that rose above society’s norm asserting the true vales behind Christianity. Faced with a moral dilemma, Proctor doesn’t know whether to lie and live or stay true and die. With little help from his wife, Proctor must try and figure out what would be the right thing to do. His statement here is an example of why it would not necessarily be a bad thing to lie. This court system is flawed and has been since day one. Therefore, lying to them would not be as bad as lying to God. Proctor is not a witch but he is also not a saint: “I think it is honest, I think so; I am no saint … Let Rebecca go like a saint; for me it is fraud” (138). Proctor reasonably comes to the conclusion that it would be in his best interest to ‘confess’. He knows that God is aware of his sins and in the end that is all that matters.

CRUCIBLE: 113-127

"Mary, as though infected, opens her mouth and screams with them. Gradually Abigail and the girls leave off, until only Mary is left there, staring up at the "bird", screaming madly" (118).

Initially, Mary vehemently and assertively denied Abby's claims and accusations. Then, out of a sudden, she becomes petrified and joins the girls in their screams. It makes no sense and it almost seems as though Abigail possesses supernatural powers. I believe Abigail is like Wormwood [from the Screwtape Letters], she is being directed and mentored by the Devil to corrupt the lives of everyone residing in that village. In a literal sense, Abigal obviously is not supernatural but her abilities prove to be more than impressive.

PARRIS: "Tonight I discover my - my strongbox is broke into ... thirty-one pound is gone. I am penniless" (126).

Parris is a character to be laughed at. I don't pity him for his loss and noone else certainly does. Immediately after telling everybody, Danforth calls him a "brainless man" (126). This is true, Parris is an idiot but Danforth is in no place to be calling someone dumb. He was the same man he fell for Abigail's little games and pitied her. It is practically his (and the court's) fault that she has run away with her uncle's money and boat. The court gave her too much power and she is slowly becoming corrupted by it. Until they realize that, the town will continue to be fooled by Abigail's behavior.

CRUCIBLE: 99-113

ABIGAIL, "in an open threat: Let you beware, Mr. Danforth. Think you to be so mighty that the power of Hell may not turn your wits? Beware of it! There is - Suddenly, from an accusatory attitude, her face turns, looking into the air above - it is truly frightened" (108).

Another problem with this court is the fact that they consider this girl a child. She's under eighteen so legally she is still a child, however, her actions prove to be the behavior of a much older woman. Proctor stands by it because he knows what Abigail is capable of while this court remains unaware of her motives. Here, it seems as though she's threatening Mr. Danforth but she 'acts' her way out of it. If it were anyone else, Mr. Danforth would have had them arrested but because he is stuck on the idea of her being a child, he lets it slide. In some way, Mr. Danforth pities her and she continues to play him the more he feeds into her little games.

PROCTOR: "God, help me, I lusted and there is a promise in such sweat. But it is a whore's vengeance, and you must see it; I set myself entirely in your hand, I know you must see it now" (110).

And they say he is not a true Christian? Here he is pleading to the Lord for help because at this point it is in God's hand. These people are so stubborn and Proctor knows it would be hard trying to prove that Abigail is a whore. So he turns to God. I believe in this moment in time, Proctor realizes just how much he messed up. If we connect the chains, we see that most of the events that took place are a result of Proctor's infedelity.

CRUCIBLE: 81-98

PROCTOR: "Excellency, does it not strike upon you that so many of these women have lived so long with such upright reputation" (91).

With the help of Parris' instigation, the court is presenting evidence in regards to his behavior that he wants to overthrow the court. There were probably three instances where it seemed as if Proctor was there to corrupt the court system. However, this is not the case and Proctor excels at defending himself. Here, he makes a great point that makes the Deputy Governor scratch his head. Most of these women condemned have been known for their benevolence throughout their lives and now all of a sudden they're being accused for worshipping the Devil. This seems too coincidental and these people need to wake up.

DANFORTH: "A person is either with this court or he must be counted against it, there be no road between" (94).

This is ridiculous, this is why Proctor's decision to prove his wife's innocence looks as though he is trying to overthrow the system. They stress that one cannot be a supporter of the court and disagree with it. As ridiculous as it sounds, it is actually a basis for everything in this society. This phrase connects not just to the court system but also religion. One of the most gleaming examples is the claim made by Parris saying that Proctor is not a true Christian. He says this solely based on the fact that Proctor does not go to church every Sunday. This behavior is perceived as someone simply against the church, nothing in between.

CRUCIBLE: 68-81

Elizabeth, to Hale: "I cannot think the Devil may own a woman's soul, Mr. Hale, when she keeps an upright way, as I have. I am a good woman, I know it; and if you believe I may do only good work in the world, and yet be secretly bound to Satan, then I must tell you, sir, I do not believe it" (70).

I commend Elizabeth for her intelligence, she has the ability to think beyond reason. Here, she makes a good point once again. It is no secret that she is known as a good woman yet everybody actually believes that she is into witchcraft. She acknowledges the fact that Hale knows she is a good woman and also points out that he is ridiculous. It is almost contradicting in a way to think so well of a person then turn around and accuse them of working with the Devil. Her reasoning behind not believing in witchcraft is substantial, because what kind of a good woman worships the Devil?

Proctor: "Is the accuser always holy now? Were they born this morning as clean as God's fingers? I'll tell you what's walking Salem - vengeance is walking Salem ... common vengeance writes the law!" (77).

This quote reminds me of the saying, "When you point your finger at someone else, there are three fingers pointing back at you." Basically, this is saying nobody is perfect, therefore noone has the right to judge anybody else. Specifically in this society, EVERYBODY has the ability to point the finger and risk someone's life. As we can see, no substantial evidence is needed to get someone put on trial. Thus, Proctor makes a reasonable inference. This society is filled with jealousy and with that comes retaliations. Proctor realizes that it is not the actual people who make the decision but their emotions, in this particular case it is vengeance.

CRUCIBLE: 50-67

Proctor: I'll whip the Devil out of you! With whip raised he reaches out for her, and she streaks away and yells. (59).

The violent temperament of Proctor is revealed and continues to be shown throughout this scene. Since he first walked in the door, he'd been angry at his wife. He seems to like being in control, the same way he was acting when he was talking to Reverend Parris is the same way he speaks at home. He is a man who allows his emotion to conquer his rationality. Whenever his wife brings up his affair with Abigail, he immediately becomes upset and vehemently demands that she stops speaking about it. He cannot accept authority higher than him, and in this case he especially won't accept it from a woman (his wife) or a servant (Mary). Thus, being the reason for his violent outburst.

Elizabeth, delicately: John - grant me this. You have a faulty understanding of young girls. There is a promise made in any bed (61).

Elizabeth seems to serve as Proctor's voice of reason; she seems mature and intelligent. That is probably why Proctor appealed to her. Here, she makes a reasonable point and realizing that it may possibly be true Proctor (once again) has a temper tantrum. We wonder why Abigail is so clingy if it was just some meaningless affair on the side, which he claims. He must have said something to make her fall so deeply in love with him. There was a much deeper connection between the two and that is where he messed up because she is young so breaking that bond between them would hurt her more than it would hurt him. His wife is slowly connecting the dot and putting two and two together. Proctor is not dumb, he slowly starting to realize that Abigail wants to take the place of his wife but he does not want to believe it.

P&P Essay

A commendable author has the ability to entice an audience solely by the title. The title ultimately serves as a billboard for the ideas that the author wants to convey. In those four to seven words, the author must efficiently open the reader’s interest level and subtly communicate the essential points of the book. Jane Austen is a notable author, specifically for her book, Pride & Prejudice. In the novel, the themes of class separation and the pride and prejudice that follows is emphasized. First impressions are somewhat accountable for the events that take place throughout the novel, however the theme of pride and prejudice prevailed. Thus, Pride & Prejudice is a more suitable title, rather than First Impressions. Throughout the novel, bigotry proves to be a common quality in the characters as a result of pride. One’s inability to resist being proud or prejudiced is exemplified through the two contrasting characters: Miss Lady Catherine DeBourgh and Elizabeth Bennet.

Lady Catherine embodies the idea that society should revolve around the separation of classes. She is proud of where she stands in society and prefers “to have the distinction of rank preserved” (Austen 124). In the novel, it is made clear that being proud is not necessarily a flaw. However, Lady Catherine contradicts this statement as she represents a more haughty and egotistical proud woman. She prides in her glory and applauds herself for her excellence: “[she delivered] her opinion on every subject in so decisive a manner as proved that she was not used to have her judgment controverted” (126). She considers herself vey enlightened and constantly gives her opinion or offers advice whether she is asked to or not. Upon meeting Elizabeth for the first time, Lady Catherine immediately provides her opinion: “‘If I had known your mother, I should have advised her most strenuously to engage [a governess]. I always say that nothing is to be done in education without steady and regular instruction, and nobody but a governess can give it’” (127). Lady Catherine’s attitude toward Elizabeth demonstrates how her pride leads to her prejudice.

Lady Catherine blames Elizabeth for her inferiority and is constantly making offensive remarks about Elizabeth and her upbringing. Her disapproval of Elizabeth’s background is specifically shown after Lady Catherine learns of the potential marriage between Elizabeth and her nephew asserting that Mr. Darcy’s marriage should only take place with her daughter: “‘While in their cradles, we planned the union: and now …to be prevented by a young woman of inferior birth, of no importance in the world …your arts and allurements may, in a moment of infatuation, have made him forget what he owes to himself and to all his family. You may have drawn him in’” (270-271). The mere idea of Elizabeth being associated with her nephew disgusts her and she refuses to accept it even suggesting that Elizabeth must have seduced him. Lady Catherine immediately thinks of her as obstinate and disagreeable but it is evident that she is actually the exact opposite. Elizabeth even notices that Lady Catherine had misjudged her character and it was all due to her pride. The concept of pride and the prejudice that follows is demonstrated through the antagonistic character Lady Catherine and through Elizabeth Bennet.

As the protagonist character, Elizabeth Bennet is utilized to demonstrate the different way one cannot resist being prejudicial. Considering the fact that she is of a lower rank in society, it is evident that she has no substantial reason to be proud. Nevertheless, Elizabeth proves to be a very prejudiced character against Mr. Darcy. As the wealthy owner of Pemberly Estate, Mr. Darcy is depicted as disagreeable for his unhappy manners. At the ball, where they first encountered, Mr. Darcy essentially calls Elizabeth unattractive. Being that she is a woman with feelings, it was inevitable that her feelings were hurt: “‘I could easily forgive his pride, if he had not mortified mine’” (13). As aforementioned, there is nothing wrong with being proud and Elizabeth acknowledges this but she also believed it was not a reason for him to offend her. From that point on, she perceived him as “the only man who made himself agreeable nowhere” (16). She immediately inferred that because of his societal standing, he felt it necessary to affront people inferior to him. As Elizabeth continued to observe his actions, she traced it to arrogance. In Elizabeth’s eyes, Mr. Darcy’s taciturn temperament seemed to be a way of separating himself from people lesser in rank. As more of Mr. Darcy’s character unveiled itself, Elizabeth’s conception of him proved to be erroneous.

With a vendetta against Mr. Darcy, Elizabeth’s sole objective was to prove his arrogance. She meets Mr. Wickham who had a past with Mr. Darcy and recognizes that as a perfect way to expose Darcy. Mr. Wickham says bad things about Darcy and evokes more abhorrence within Elizabeth: “‘I had supposed him to be despising his fellow-creatures in general, but did not suspect him of descending to such malicious revenge, such injustice, such inhumanity as this!’” (61). With so much detest for Darcy within her, Elizabeth begins to fall for Wickham because he is everything Mr. Darcy is not. On the contrary, the inconsistencies in Mr. Wickham’s character are revealed and Elizabeth is forced to recognize the flaws within her. Because she acted solely on the emotion she felt that night they first met, she became prejudiced: “‘From the very beginning, from the first moment I may almost say, of my acquaintance with you, your manners impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form that ground-work of disapprobation, on which succeeding events have built so immoveable a dislike’” (148). She blatantly states that she hated Mr. Darcy from the moment she met him, because of his overbearing pride. Her emotions caught the best of her and ultimately clouded her judgment. She was wrong in assuming that Mr. Darcy’s manners were a result of his pride. Again, the compelling force of prejudice is exemplified as a result of pride.

The recurring theme of pride and prejudice prevailed throughout the novel in various characters. First Impressions proved to be a basis for most of the characters’ prejudicial qualities. However, in a society where pride was predominately common, prejudiced characters were inevitable. Therefore, Austen’s decision to title the book Pride & Prejudice, rather than First Impressions was more suitable in terms of the plot. Austen effectively demonstrated the two different ways prejudice can be evoked within a character, proving that one does not necessarily have to be proud to be prejudice. In the end, Jane Austen is an author to be merited for effectively conveying her story’s message in the brevity of two essential words.

CRUCIBLE: 31-49

“The daughters of the towns would assemble at night and, sometimes with fetishes, sometimes with a selected young man, give themselves to love, with some bastardly results. The Church …condemned these orgies as witchcraft and interpreted them, rightly, as a resurgence of the Dionysiac forces it had crushed long before” (35).

These qualities listed sound very familiar and ultimately allude to the very bizarre Abigail. While we don’t have specific details on the previous affair between Abigail and Proctor, we have an idea based on Abigail’s behavior. She throws herself at John, seduces him, and makes him pity her. She has ‘given herself to love’, it is apparent that she in infatuated with him. Abigail’s manners are best described as pertaining to witchcraft, according to the Church. The idea of Abigail practicing witchcraft seemed pretty obvious as she drank blood to harm Proctor’s wife. In simpler terms, she is CRAZY! The Church’s ability to detect witchcraft within a woman demonstrates their accuracy. Maybe a society based on religion isn’t so bad.

HALE, with rising exaltation: You are God’s instrument put in our hands to discover the Devil’s agents among us. You are selected, Tituba, you are chosen to help us cleanse our village (46).

The claim that if anything were to go wrong, Tituba would be to blame proved to be true. Once again, Abigail utilizes her manipulative talents to point the finger at Tituba. Immediately, Reverend Parris is angered by the thought of Tituba enlisting the Devil within his daughter and he suggests that she be whipped. He immediately jumps to conclusion and this is one of his fallacies. This is also not the first time he has fallen for Abigail’s deception. She even admits that she was ordered to kill Parris but she refused. Reverend Hale was able to see the benevolence within Tituba, contrary to Parris’ irrationality which demonstrates his adequacy.

Crucible: 8-30

Abigail: 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 pointy reckoning that will shudder you (20).

It is too obvious! Abigail must be a witch. Her statement, or threat, corroborates the claim of her possibly being a witch. Here, she blatantly admits to everything she told her uncle that she did not do. First & foremost, she lied and second, she is crazy. I sensed there was something "different" about her back on page 17 when she says, "Uncle you've prayed since midnight. Why do you not go down -". This stood out because for the first few pages, the community's obsession with religion seemed excessive and Abigail's comment goes against it. This is the first statement from a character that actually contradicts the society's usual strict nature in regards to religion. Hints that suggest Abigail being a witch go on & on to the next few pages. Her affair with John Proctor is revealed and her wish to do harm to others suggests that she is a witch!

Mrs. Putnam: The psalm! The psalm! She cannot bear to to hear the Lord's name!

Here we go with the religion. However, looking at the situation from their eyes, her point is very reasonable. Initially, NOTHING would wake Betty. Abigail was fortunate enough to wake her for a couple of minutes but then she knocked out again and it was impossible to wake her. But she hears something from bible and she shoots up, that definitely says something. Maybe she has some supernatural force in her, I don't think she practices witchcraft like Abigail. She is soft-spoken and she was probably dragged into the woods by Abigail.