Final answer:
Elizabeth may think that Abigail wants to kill her out of jealousy and to take her place, which is a common theme in literature that deals with intricate human relationships and motivations.
Step-by-step explanation:
The query is about why Elizabeth thinks Abigail wants to kill her in the context of a literary work. The text suggests psychological drama and conflict under the surface, a common theme in certain classic novels or plays. Elizabeth may think Abigail wants to kill her because, in the context of these works, it is often due to jealousy or revenge. A character like Abigail may feel entitled to replace Elizabeth as the protagonist's wife, especially if she had an emotional or romantic history with the man in question.
Such dynamics are frequently explored in tales that delve into interpersonal relationships and moral ambiguity. The plays of Arthur Miller, for example, often showcase characters with complex motivations and troubled pasts, leading them to enact drastic measures against others who stand in the way of their desires or ideologies.