In the Crucible, Arthur Miller uses Abigale to present people would make lies to protect themself from reputation and witchcraft. Abigale had lie throughout the story, from the begin of the book when Abigale’s uncle Paris had caught Abigale dance and running around naked in the forest. Abigale begins to lie and try to stay as clean as possible, later when people are having a church, she and the other girl had to lie to protect themselves. This is nothing special, according to the articles form the ScienceDirect which stated “Lies are told for one of two reasons: either the deceptive person believes they have more to gain from lying than from telling the truth; or the deceptive person is incapable of discerning what the truth is, either temporarily or owing to some permanent mental defect. Lies may be divided into two distinct motivational categories: prosocial lies that are constructed to benefit others; and antisocial lies that are selfish.”
With the quotes from Abigale on page 11 “No one was naked! You mistake yourself, uncle (Parris)” Abigale. Another example “I told him everything; he knows now, he knows everything we.” This quote is a lie, Abigail wants to be safe and she is pushing the responsibility ty away, she wants Betty to stop acting. Even if it isn’t drama, she will make it as drama. The last example is “Oh, she’s only gone silly somehow.” This is just another example Arthur Miller shows Abigile or “Human”/Person would do anything to save their reputation.
To conclude, Arthur Miller had to use Abigile to show the truth of humanity. As one of the readers who knowns who brought Betty out to the forest to dance and sing. From the types of action of Lie that Abigail had made, this is a true example of Selfish lie.
Dear, Wilson
A scientific connection on the mental impacts of lying is something that I would not have expected but makes lots of sense because when you think about it, the Crucible is a book about reputation and credibility, which is a theme that is apparent in our everyday lives. Why do the girls lie? Why do we lie? What impact do these lies have on other people? The statement lies are selfish hold very true in my opinion because we lie to defer the blame off of ourselves while blaming another person by accident or on purpose. What kind of famous lies do you know? What types of historical lies have changed the course of history, like how Abigial’s resulted in the death of innocent citizens? Great connections to science. An amazing read.
-Hiram
Indeed, Abigail did lie throughout the story but why would she lie even though she understands the risk and consequences. The society and rules were so conservative and strict. As Rebecca Nurse mentioned, all the problems happened throughout the story aren’t caused by the children but the condition and society people were live in. Any inappropriate action or language isn’t acceptable and might even end up in death. So why would she lie about what they were doing because if she doesn’t she would end up being hanged.
Hi wilson, Over all after reading your blog I find it helpful to understand the motivation behind people lying such as abigail lying to protect her self. However after reading your article I find it hard to interpret why you are frustrated by the actions of Abigail, and about the idea that Abigail’s lie portrait herself as a selfish person I kind of diassagree with because I see Abigail’s lie as a manipulative act and a cruel revenge getting everyone in the village that she dislike to be killed with her final goal to kill Elizabeth Proctor as she see Mrs Proctor as a obstacle that prevents her from being with John Proctor.