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
Friday, December 18, 2009
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
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.
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.
Monday, December 14, 2009
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.
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.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
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.
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.
Friday, December 11, 2009
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.
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.
Thursday, December 10, 2009
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.
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.
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
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.
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.
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