Final answer:
Abigail states she was dismissed by the Proctors because John Proctor ended their affair, leading to Elizabeth Proctor firing her for the underlying tension and breach of trust.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Act I of The Crucible, Abigail claims she was dismissed by the Proctors because Elizabeth Proctor, John Proctor's wife, fired her. However, it is later revealed that the underlying reason for her dismissal is linked to the affair she had with John Proctor.
Elizabeth became aware of the affair and therefore no longer wanted Abigail in her home. Abigail harbors resentment towards Elizabeth for her dismissal, and this animosity fuels many of the events that unfold in the play.