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In 'The Crucible' by Arthur Miller, what reason does John Proctor give for Abigail Williams' actions? Furthermore, according to Proctor, what does Abigail aim to achieve through the trials?

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Final answer:

John Proctor believes Abigail Williams is using the Salem Witch Trials to get revenge and fulfill her desires by accusing Elizabeth Proctor, thus removing her from John's life.

Step-by-step explanation:

In Arthur Miller's play The Crucible, John Proctor suggests that Abigail Williams is motivated by her jealousy and desire for revenge against him after their affair and his subsequent rejection of her. He implies that Abigail is using the trials to eliminate Elizabeth Proctor so that she can be with him. Essentially, Proctor accuses Abigail of manipulating the Salem Witch Trials to serve her own ends. Within the context of the hysteria surrounding the trials, this makes the proceedings not just about Puritanical fear and religious zealotry, but also about personal vendettas and the misuse of power.

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