Differences Between The Crucible Movie And Play

Arthur Miller was born in 1915 in New York City. The Crucible opened in 1952, and was considered an attack on the anti-Communist McCarthyism happening in the United States. Miller himself was brought before Congress in 1956 and convicted of contempt of Congress for refusing to cooperate. The conviction was eventually dismissed. In 1996 The Crucible was released as a movie produced by Nicholas Hytner and directed by Robert A. Miller and David D. Pickler. The screenplay was done by Arthur Miller, so this means any changes in the movie were specifically made by Arthur Miller himself. In this paper I will be going into depth about the differences between the movie and play.

The play opens in Reverend Parris’ house, he is on his knees by his daughter Betty. The movies first scene is a bold scene. It depicts many girl running into the forest where they cast spells on boys to make the boys like them. It escalates to the point where Abigail drinks chickens blood and at that moment Reverend Parris stumbles upon them in the woods. The scene was likely added for dramatic effect, and foreshadowing. I also think it was added so the viewers aren’t so confused when the girls take such

One was in the woods before Abigail stabbed herself and the other was before she fled Salem. I think the meeting in the woods was to show the loyalty John had towards his wife. A little contradictory after committing adultery, but loyalty nonetheless. The second meeting was when Abigail came to John when he was in the cell and she was leaving Salem. To me this kind of cleared up any doubts you may have had about Abigail's current feelings for John. Without this scene you may think she doesn't obsess over him as she once did. This scene confirms that through it all she stills love John and wants him to come with her. Of course he turns her down, again proving John’s (better late than never)