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In The Crucible, what did Abigail do that caused Danforth to stand agape?

Danforth can’t believe it when he hears Abigail stole Parris’s money and fled town on a ship.


Abigail is a very sneaky girl. She is responsible for the horrors of what happens in Salem because her lies get the ball rolling on the witch trials. Even after things get out of control, Abigail likes the attention and continues to milk it. She pretends bewitching is happening.


When Hale questions her integrity, Abigail flails around screaming...

Danforth can’t believe it when he hears Abigail stole Parris’s money and fled town on a ship.


Abigail is a very sneaky girl. She is responsible for the horrors of what happens in Salem because her lies get the ball rolling on the witch trials. Even after things get out of control, Abigail likes the attention and continues to milk it. She pretends bewitching is happening.


When Hale questions her integrity, Abigail flails around screaming at the ceiling.



Hale: I believe him! Pointing at Abigail: This girl has always struck me false! She has —


Abigail, with a weird, wild, chilling cry, screams up to the ceiling.


Abigail: You will not! Begone! Begone, I say (Act 3)!



Paris tells Danforth that his niece has “vanished.” She didn’t just vanish; she stole everything he had and left him penniless. She is hardly a paragon of virtue, but they based their trials on believing her and this news shocks Danforth.



Parris: Excellency, I think they be aboard a ship. Danforth stands agape. My daughter tells me how she heard them speaking of ships last week, and tonight I discover my — my strongbox is broke into. He presses his fingers against his eyes to keep back tears (Act 4). 



Danforth calls Parris a “brainless man.” Parris seems to think the witch trial game is over. He tells Danforth that Andover has “thrown out the court” and is no longer interested in pursuing people for witchcraft. He talks of riots in Andover, but Danforth won’t hear of it. 


Danforth truly believes in witch trials, and loves the power his authority gives him. He comes in excited and ready to banish the devil, and his enthusiasm never wanes. He doesn’t seem to understand he is being led around by the nose by a girl with other agendas.

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