The play continues as more and more finger pointing occurs. Each charge is met with a subsequent denial and more accusations. Both the theatrical version and the film reach there climax when the trials begin. Both contain intense trial scenes and endings that are horrific and tragic. The accused are hanged and life in Salem, Massachusetts goes on. .
Crucial points in the play are told visually in the movie. These include one of the most significant scenes in which the girls are witnessed in the woods screaming and running naked, while sacrificing chickens and drinking blood. This scene is discussed in the theatrical version through the interrogation of Abigail by reverends Parris and Hale. The questioning in the theatrical version allows the reader to surmise for themselves what really occurred in those woods. The film depicts a violent ritual in which the girls are cursing the spouses of the men they love. Tituba is observed twirling around with a chicken and is heard screaming chants. Following this is a shot of Abigail with blood flowing from her mouth. The theatrical version has no mention of chickens and no mention of the actual purpose of the trip to the woods. .
The depiction of this scene in the film, as opposed to how it was presented in the original work, is dramatic. The viewer observes events at the beginning of the film that influence how they view the rest of the action. By showing what actually happened the viewer instantly loses all faith in Abigail and the rest of the girls. In the play the reader never knows whether to believe Abigail and is forced to pick sides between equally despicable characters. Reverend Parris is unlikable due to his autocratic attitude and is quick to point to witchcraft. Abigail is repulsive due to her constant deception and cannot tell the truth. She always says that what happened in the woods was just fooling around. .
In the play, Abigail is asked what kind of dancing they were doing, and responds by saying common dancing is all.