In The Crucible, Abigail was able to manipulate people and events in a way that helped her to take control of the community similarly to how Hitler and the Nazi party seized reign over Germany through intimidation and manipulation.
What Caused It?
1. Hatred –> Pushing the Blame
ABIGAIL: She hates me, uncle, she must, for I would not be her slave. It’s a bitter woman, a lying, cold sniveling woman, and I will not work for such a woman! (13).”
When Parris accuses Abigail of having tainted her own name in the community, Abby immediately jumps on the defensive and states that the cause of her unemployment is the fault of Mrs. Proctor. Abigail holds a deep hatred for Elizabeth Proctor because she is the wife of John Proctor, who Abby is in love with.
Her jealousy and hatred of Elizabeth is what causes Abby to accuse Mrs. Proctor of witchcraft, since she knows that the only person who could prove otherwise is John (who is held back by his reputation).
The Germans were in a political and economical crisis. Rather than admitting their own faults had caused the current struggle, it was easier to push the blame onto the Jews. Gradually, their own frustrations and hatred against the Jews built up and violence was used in order to express their anger (which was really against their situation, but they chose to believe the situation was caused by the Jews).
How Did It Succeed?
2. Manipulation/Sharing of power
MARY WARREN: I cannot charge murder on Abigail.
…
MARY WARREN: She’ll kill me for sayin’ that! Proctor continues toward her. Abby’ll charge lechery on you, Mr. Proctor! (75).”
Abigail and Hitler both held the image of being strong leaders who would stop at nothing to get what they wanted. This appealed to and scared people into doing what they said.
They were also good at making people feel like power is shared amongst everyone, which is technically true because Abby and Hitler both needed the others in order to keep them in power. They were the ringleaders and perpetrators, but the true power is always in the hands of the majority and the majority chose to keep them in power because it also benefited them.
What Were The Consequences?
3. Baseless Deaths
HALE: The jails are packed-our greatest judges sit in Salem now-and hangin’s promised (75).”
“Low Angle Photo of Concrete Cross Under Clouds” on Pexels
Abby and the girls just keep accusing anyone and everyone they dislike. This leads to many innocent people being held in jails and then hung if they did not confess to the crime they didn’t commit. Those who did not confess did so out of their belief of keeping their integrity and the truth sacred.
In the Holocaust, the Nazi regime senselessly tortured and killed millions of Jews because of their belief that the Aryan race was superior and Jews needed to be eliminated. Like Abby, they just killed those that they did not like.
MLA Citation:
Miller, Arthur. The Crucible: A Play In Four Acts. New York: Penguin Books, 1976. Print.