How Did The Salem Witch Trials Affect Society

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Recommended: Analysis of the crucible by Arthur Miller

The Salem witch trials in 1600, which took place in Salem, Massachusetts had a negative impact on the town. People seemed to be afraid of everyone. Any action done by an individual that appeared to be strange would be suspected with witchery. The well known play The Crucible, by Arthur Miller, elaborates more on the Salem accusations. In the village of Salem, Abigail and a group of her friends claimed to have the possession of the devil. Numerous of people were incriminated of witchcraft with evidence that was scanty, causing around 20 hangings. Claims made by the villagers was the only proof the judge had. Although, those who confessed were then pardoned. The negative impact that witch trials brought individuals, government authority figures
Since any sort of change that seemed reprehensible would be reported, one of them being not going to mass. Not knowing the Ten Commandments or constantly missing mass would infer that they were a witch. Church officials noticed that Proctor hadn’t attended mass for a while, therefore Reverend Hale went to visit him. As a result, Reverend Hale asks both Proctor and his wife, “Do you know your Commandments Elizabeth?...and you Mister?” (Miller, Act 2). Since Proctor was not attending mass he was asked by Reverend Hale to say the Ten Commandments as a consequence.
He was able to say all but one out of the ten which happened to be the one he had committed, adultery. Although, the Salem witch trials can be a polemical topic whether it has a positive or negative impact, all can coincide that it was a peevish time. Due to this horrible trials the lives of individuals were lost. As displayed in Miller’s play, The Crucible, had a tremendous impact in Salem. Put in trial, would be anyone who looked clandestine, then the judge would decide their destiny. Statistics prove that one out of twenty executed, one victim died from torture. Overall, the Salem witch trials negatively affected the individuals, government authority and church

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