Final answer:
A central idea that applies to Abigail Williams in "The Crucible" is the destructive power of lies and deceit, demonstrating how mass hysteria and societal intolerance can be manipulated for personal gain.
Step-by-step explanation:
A central idea in "The Crucible" that applies to Abigail Williams is the destructive power of lies and deceit. Abigail manipulates the truth and fabricates tales of witchcraft, ultimately leading to the tragic outcomes in the play. Her actions reveal the theme of how individuals can leverage hysteria and fear for their own advantage.
The Puritan setting contributes to this central idea, as the society's intolerance for non-conformity and emphasis on religiosity create a fertile ground for Abigail's manipulations to thrive. Arthur Miller uses Abigail Williams and the Salem witch trials to explore how mass hysteria can escalate, and how individuals can stoke fear to manipulate and control others for personal gains, as seen with Abigail's accusations in the play.