1. Parental Death: Abigail lost both of her parents at a young age. Her father died when she was very young, and her mother died when she was a teenager. This loss left her orphaned and vulnerable.
2. Poverty and Dependency: Abigail's orphaned state led to a life of poverty and dependency. She lived in the household of Reverend Parris, the local minister, and depended on his charity for survival.
3. Emotional and Psychological Distress: Abigail's loss and uncertain living situation left her emotionally and psychologically distressed. She displayed intense emotions, such as anger, resentment, and desire for control, which played a significant role in the events that unfolded in Salem during the witch trials.
4. Encounters with the Supernatural: Abigail claimed to have had encounters with the supernatural, including visions and dreams. These experiences, whether genuine or fabricated, became central to the hysteria surrounding witchcraft accusations in Salem.
5. Power Dynamics: Abigail's position as an orphan and her limited social status allowed others to manipulate her. She became involved in the web of accusations and deceit, which ultimately contributed to the tragic events of the Salem witch trials.