an individual is harmed, they can learn to forgive their adversary or request atonement. But when they stoop so low as to turn to reprisal as a solution, the result will mostly be inimical to more desirable outcomes. The most prevalent example of the exhibition of vengeance is in the discord within the Proctor family, and with their former servant Abigail Williams. Elizabeth Proctor had thrown Abigail out of the house shortly after learning of the affair between Abigail and her husband, John. Abigail, who is still in love with John and hates Elizabeth, was then determined to defile Elizabeth and espouse John. Never in this world! I know you Johnyou are at this moment singing secret hallelujahs that youre wife will hang! (p. 152) Despite the obvious, Abigail still feels that everything should go her way. Though all that was in her mind was a childish desire to be with John, her mere artifice would soon lead to the demise of a town and several of its citizens. In opposition to her deceitful manipulation, John does all that he can to reveal the actuality of the predicament. If you do not free my wife tomorrow, I am set and bound to ruin you Abby.(p. 151) in an ineffectual attempt to save his name, as well as the lives of several other innocent victims, he pays with the loss of his own. While vengeance can sometimes be an infantile response to mistreatment, when it is carried too far, it can result in immeasurable losses, sanity, faith, and even life.Lacking experience, the small town of Salem Massachusetts followed the path to hell, and that is exactly where it led them. It brings into question the power of the Devil and his involvement in this series of losses. It reveals the destructive competence that lays dormant within the hearts of every man. Once these men are exposed to the lures and temptations Ou 6that can provoke them to do anything, a spark is set off that can ignite a holocaust of infinite proportions. A fir...
