The phrase "Do you begrudge my bed, uncle?" asks if the uncle resents or unwillingly provides the speaker with a place to sleep. It implies a deeper tension, questioning whether the uncle harbors ill will or feels put out by the speaker's presence and use of his resources.
Understanding 'Begrudge'
The verb "begrudge" carries a dual meaning that is crucial to understanding this phrase:
- To Allow Unwillingly or Reluctantly: This is the primary sense, suggesting that something is given or permitted, but with hesitation, annoyance, or a lack of generosity. It's about a reluctant concession.
- To Resent or Envy: "Begrudge" can also be synonymous with "resent," meaning to feel bitterness or indignation at something. In this context, it implies wishing ill upon someone or feeling that they do not deserve what they have or are receiving.
When someone asks "Do you begrudge my bed?", they are probing whether the person providing the bed feels either of these emotions: a reluctant allowance of the space, or outright resentment and a wish that the speaker were not there or did not have that comfort.
Context in Literature: The Crucible
This specific line is notably spoken by Abigail Williams to her uncle, Reverend Parris, in Arthur Miller's play The Crucible. In this dramatic context, Abigail's question is charged with:
- Accusation and Manipulation: Abigail is challenging her uncle, implying that she perceives his reluctance or resentment towards her. She might be trying to gauge his feelings, or subtly manipulate him by making him feel guilty or exposed.
- Underlying Resentment: From Abigail's perspective, she may genuinely believe her uncle resents her presence and the burden she represents. She might feel he wishes her ill or grudges the very bed she sleeps in his house.
- Seeking Reassurance or Confirmation: The question can also be a desperate plea for reassurance, or a direct confrontation to confirm her suspicions about his feelings towards her.
In essence, Abigail is asking: "Are you unhappy about me sleeping here? Do you resent my presence in your home, even down to the very bed I occupy?" It highlights a strained relationship and a power dynamic where the speaker feels unwelcome or like a burden.
The question reveals a deep-seated insecurity or a provocative challenge, where the speaker suspects the host's hospitality is not genuine or freely given.
