The Salem Witch Trials occurred in colonial Massachusetts between 1692 and 1693, it affected the entire town of Salem, but personally affected approximately 150 accused witches (women) and warlocks (men), about 30 of which were executed. When one was convicted of witchcraft it was believed that they had supernatural powers that were given by the devil (in return for being loyal to him), to harm innocent people. As a wave of hysteria spread throughout Massachusetts, a special court was assembled to hear the cases. The first person, Bridget Bishop, was accused in and executed (by hanging) in June 1692. The local justice system was overwhelmed, in some cases, the judge sentenced them to drowning, in this method, they would throw the alleged witch into a deep pond or lake and if they drowned they were pure and not a witch, if they floated, they were a witch and would be burned at the stake. The jail was full with supposed witches and warlocks, and all of the preachers and pastors were invited to cleanse multiple houses daily. Samuel Sewall were undoubtedly one of the most authoritative figures during the Salem Witch Trials. Samuel Sewall was born in England in 1652 and moved to America at the age of …show more content…
Although there are some relatively minor changes in the script, it is pretty accurate. Miller only changed thing to make it more interesting and entertaining. He omits a very important character: Cotton Mather, the most popular pastors in that time, he wrote the church book that I have previously mentioned. Another misrepresentation that Miller makes is Tituba, in the play she is an African American slave, but in actual history, she is of the Caribbean island of Barbados, however, she is still a