Crucible Quote Explication

The Crucible

Abigail Williams: “I am but God's finger, John. If he would condemn Elizabeth, she will be condemned.”

This quote is from the mouth of Abigail, the leader of the girls involved at the center of the plot. She is talking with John, and trying to rationalize the things that the girls are doing. Proctor knows what is at the heart of the matter as Abigail is merely trying to get rid of his wife so that they can be together, something that he no longer wants. This situation shows the reader that Abigail is clearly committing perjury. Another informative aspect of this quote is that it sheds light on the person Abigail truly is because it shows that she is a lying, conniving person, who will stop at nothing to get what she wants.

Judge Danforth: “Who weeps for these weeps for corruption.”

This quote explains Judge Danforth’s mentality in regards to the court proceedings. He used the information that he was given in order to make an assessment of the situation. The problem with that method is that he took everything in a concrete manner, literally, leaving out all contextual clues. These additional bits of information could be key in figuring out the complex situation he was presented with. This is not really a point in the story, but more general knowledge as to how a key player in the situation used a particular mindset in order to draw an objective conclusion from the circumstances he was dealing with. This brings an implication of irony because this attitude is what leads him to be drawn into the hysteria.

John Proctor: “Elizabeth, your justice would freeze beer.”

This quote is a representation of John Proctor’s feelings about his wife’s demeanor. He feels that she is too harsh and judgmental. This manner of thinking was common amongst the Puritan people