In Act 3 of Arthur Miller's "The Crucible," Abigail Williams plays a pivotal role as she tries to maintain her influence and control over the court proceedings and the townspeople. Here are some key quotes from Abigail in that act that highlight her character:
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"I want to open myself!... I want the light of God, I want the sweet love of Jesus!... I saw Sarah Good with the Devil!"
- In this quote, Abigail attempts to redirect attention away from herself and positions herself as a victim of witchcraft, manipulating the court to gain sympathy and power.
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"Let either of you breathe a word, or the edge of a word, about the other things, and I will come to you in the black of some terrible night and I will bring a pointy reckoning that will shudder you."
- This quote reveals Abigail's manipulative and threatening nature as she intimidates the other girls into silence about the truth of their actions in the forest.
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"You will not judge me more, Elizabeth."
- Abigail asserts her position and pushes back against Elizabeth Proctor, showing her determination and unwillingness to be held accountable for her actions.
Abigail's quotes in Act 3 illustrate her cunning, manipulative nature and the lengths she will go to in order to protect herself and pursue her desires.