Historical Differences in the Crucible

Historical Inaccuracies of The Crucible

Throughout the play, The Crucible, there are changed details. These details seem minor, but it is important to take note of them to have a factual understanding of the Salem Witch Trials. There are many different details, changed by Miller to make his story less complicated and, overall, more believable.
In the Parris family, there are many historical inaccuracies. First of all, Betty Parris’ mother was not dead as the dialogue in the play states. In actuality, she died four years after the witch trials began in 1692. As for the composition of the family, the Parris family in reality consists of two other children other than Betty--an older brother, Thomas, and a younger sister Susannah. In the play Abigail is referred to as Reverend Parris’ niece, but actually there is no proof that she is their niece. In original documents, she is referred to as the Parris family’s “kinfolk.” Therefore she was probably a good friend of...