Review of Abigail’s Admission Regarding Tituba in "The Crucible"

Abigail’s Admission about Tituba’s Presence in the Forest

Abigail Williams plays a crucial role in Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," especially during the scene where the girls are discovered dancing in the forest. In this scene, Abigail admits that Tituba, a slave from Barbados, was present with them. This revelation sets off a chain of events that leads to the hysteria of the Salem witch trials.

2 Reasons Why Abigail Raises Tituba’s Name in This Situation

a) Abigail believes Tituba is a friend and should be protected.

b) Abigail is trying to frame Tituba to divert blame from herself.

Final Answer:

Abigail raises Tituba's name in this situation because she is trying to frame Tituba to divert blame from herself, and the correct option is b) Abigail is trying to frame Tituba to divert blame from herself.

Explanation:

In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Abigail Williams raises Tituba's name in the forest incident for specific reasons. She is not motivated by friendship or seeking help, nor does she intend to involve Tituba in a witchcraft ritual. Instead, Abigail is primarily focused on self-preservation and shifting the blame away from herself.

Abigail understands the gravity of their actions in the forest and the potential consequences, including accusations of witchcraft. To protect herself, she strategically mentions Tituba's involvement, knowing that Tituba is an easy target due to her marginalized status as an enslaved woman from Barbados.

Firstly, Abigail uses Tituba's name to divert attention from her own participation in the forbidden activities. By framing Tituba, Abigail exploits the prejudices and fears of the community, making it more likely that they will believe in Tituba's involvement in witchcraft due to her foreign origin and different cultural background.

Secondly, Abigail's tactic of naming Tituba is a calculated move to gain credibility in the eyes of the adults and officials investigating the witchcraft accusations. By appearing cooperative and concerned about exposing the witches, Abigail aims to avoid suspicion and maintain her own innocence.

In conclusion, Abigail raises Tituba's name in the forest incident as part of her self-preservation strategy, ultimately attempting to frame Tituba and divert blame from herself. This pivotal moment in the play sets in motion the chain of events leading to the Salem witch trials.

Why does Abigail raise Tituba's name in the forest incident in "The Crucible"? Abigail raises Tituba's name in the forest incident to frame Tituba and divert blame from herself.