uld be "thankful for being permitted to walk straight, eyes slightly lowered, arms at the sides, and mouths shut until bidden to speak." (Page 4) Therefore, it is obvious to see that Abigail grew up without any love or nurturing. She also was without any real mother or father figures. Abigail grew up to be deceitful and treacherous, lacking trustworthiness. On account of the fear for her life, Abigail began to accuse the townspeople of witchcraft. After she and the other girls were discovered in the forest dancing, she knew that they would be whipped and possibly hung. Abigail claimed that they were bewitched, and began to name names of those who were 'with the devil'. Nothing would stop her from protecting herself. When John forced Mary Warren to tell the truth about the lies that she, Abigail, and the rest of the girls were telling, Abigail proclaimed her innocence and then began to accuse Mary of being a witch. She claimed she saw Mary's spirit in the form of a bird. "But God made my face; you cannot want to tear my face. Envy is a deadly sin, Mary." (Page 115) Abigail feared for her life so much that she protected it even when John was accused of witchcraft and was sentenced to be hung. Although she loved him, she would not sacrifice herself for him. In conclusion, the cause of the witch trials was Abigail Williams. Considering the facts about her love for John, traumatic childhood, and fear for her life it is easy to see that it was Abigail's fault that the tragedy occurred. As the horrible person that she was, Abigail fought to get her way no matter whom she hurt, and unfortunately in the end she did. ...
