Accuracy Of The Crucible

The Crucible, a play written by Arthur Miller in 1952, tells of the Salem Witch Trials and what the Puritan people endured. The story mainly focuses on the accusers, afflicted, and the accused showing how they got away with what they stated to the court as well as how the accused plead their innocence. The Crucible follows very distinct parts of the Salem Witch Trials, some of which are very accurate, and others which are morphed to fit the storyline. Miller changes the details or leave them out in order to make The Crucible more logical and understanding to the reader on top of making it more interesting to add to the plot.
.Although The Crucible includes the same basic events as the Salem Witch Trials, upon further examination it is clear …show more content…
The Salem Witch Trials are an example in history of a time when unnecessary histeria spread. The Trials were later turned into many arts of literature like The Crucible for example, but many of the facts differ. Characters ages are changed as well as their role in the trials. There are various examples of what really happened during the time of the trials which shed light on the differences in Miller 's story.Further reinforcing the theory that The Crucible contrasts with the Salem Witch Trials, Tim Gracyk states,“I estimate that the play is about 50% based on real historical events and about 50% "made up" for the purpose of the play 's particular themes, symbolism, and characterization” (1). In other words Gracyk is telling readers how much The Crucible really does differ, but with a statistical point of view as well as stating what is changed for the purpose of the play. Despite differences in the plot of the play many important factors of the past are not discussed. For example there were previous situations in nearby towns of witch trials being held. This only furthers the theory that the Salem Witch Trials are merely a repercussion of the ones held in the past. It is …show more content…
Many components of The Crucible differ from the Salem Witch Trials in order to convey certain themes and characterization. In Tim Gracyk’s view, “ We learn some history. I will point out ways the play differs from historical documents or primary sources… Although he changes facts to make his literary work a more compelling work of art”(1) The essence if Gracyk’s argument is that The Crucible is solely historical fiction and cannot be taken as a truthful source since many complex facts of the Witch Trials are missing from The Crucible and are distorted. As the Crucible does not mention any of the past Witch Trials and skips over important information it may be misleading to the reader and can also project a wrong opinion of what actually happened during this time. Upon the beginning of the play Miller changes many of the initial details from what legitimately happened to form his own work of art. In the Crucible, Betty Parris, also known as Elizabeth Parris throughout history, is solely afflicted. In the trials however, both Abigail and Elizabeth are afflicted. Miller also abstains from mentioning how Elizabeth and Abigail may have copied the actions from previous trials. In the Salem Witch Trials, Don Nardo reports that Abigail and Elizabeth may have followed the actions of a boy who had shown abnormal symptoms during the previous witch trials. He also states that these