Fact or Fiction: The Crucible

The Crucible accurately depicts all the real historical figures involved in the Salem Witch Trials.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FICTION: Arthur Miller combined and altered characters for dramatic purposes.

John Proctor was in his mid-30s and had an affair with Abigail Williams, a 17-year-old girl.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

• FICTION:

• John Proctor was about 60 years old, and Abigail Williams was around 11 during the trials.

• There is no historical evidence of an affair between them.

Tituba was the first to be accused of witchcraft in Salem.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FACT:

Tituba, along with Sarah Good and Sarah Osborne, was among the first accused.

The Salem Witch Trials resulted in the execution of 20 people total.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FACT:

The Salem Witch Trials resulted in the execution of 20 people.

The majority of the accused witches were women.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FACT: Most of the accused were women, reflecting the gender biases of the time.

While exact numbers vary among sources, it's estimated that about 78% of the accused were women, and 22% were men (HistoryofMassachusetts.org)

One man accused was burned at the stake, the rest were hanged during the Salem Witch Trials.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FICTION: In Salem, around 200 were accused, 19 were hanged, and 1 was pressed to death: none were burned at the stake.

The court in Salem used spectral evidence, which allowed claims of seeing spirits as valid testimony, despite not having any evidence.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FACT: Spectral evidence was a significant part of the trials, though its validity was controversial even then.

Reverend Parris was a central figure in both The Crucible and the actual trials.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FACT: Reverend Samuel Parris played a significant role in the historical trials and is portrayed similarly in The Crucible.

The trials ended because the accusers started accusing powerful people, which led to skepticism.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FACT: Accusations against prominent individuals, including the governor's wife, led to increased skepticism and the eventual cessation of the trials.

Elizabeth Proctor was hanged for witchcraft.

• FACT

• FICTION

Answer explanation

FICTION:

Elizabeth Proctor was convicted but not executed; her execution was delayed due to pregnancy, and she was eventually released.