In the Crucible, At what point does Abigail first begin feeling cold? What effect does this event have on Danforth? What does it suggest about her motives?
It is essential that you read the book. However, this site will help you with gaining some insight.
http://www.sparknotes.com/lit/crucible/
In Arthur Miller's play "The Crucible," Abigail first begins feeling cold in Act I during the scene at Reverend Parris's house. This happens right after Betty wakes up from her unconscious state and Abigail realizes that Reverend Parris saw her and the other girls dancing in the woods. As a part of her effort to conceal their activities, Abigail pretends to be affected by some supernatural force and claims she feels a cold wind.
This event has a significant effect on Danforth, who is the Deputy Governor overseeing the witch trials. It reinforces his belief that there is a presence of evil in Salem and strengthens his trust in the testimony of the girls. Danforth takes this incident as evidence of the supernatural forces at work and becomes even more determined to uncover and eliminate witches.
Abigail's motives become clearer through this event. Her feigned reaction to the cold and her subsequent claims of being afflicted by witchcraft suggest that she is willing to go to great lengths to protect her reputation and avoid punishment. By portraying herself as a victim of witchcraft, Abigail creates a diversion from her real involvement in the accusations and places herself in a position of power and authority. Her actions underscore her manipulative and self-serving nature, as she uses the witch trials to her advantage and targets innocent individuals to further her own interests.