In the film, the town of Salem is in church when they hear Betty's screams and see her trying to fly out of the window, but in the play, only the teenage girls witness this. What is the effect of this change? Explain how it influences the gossip and rumors.

This change allowed the viewer to believe in the gossip that spread in the city because the viewer saw what Betty did.

We can arrive at this answer because:

As viewers have seen the source of this gossip, they are led to believe what the gossip is presenting, as they have seen it to be real.

More information:

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This story line was about witches presence in Salem. When Betty was possessed by a demon, and she screamed and tried flying out of the window. The whole town witnessing this rather than just the teenage girls help spread the rumor faster and convinced the village of the presence of witches in the town. The gossips went farther and quicker than expected.

Explanation:

i believe it is he has been given the drum as a joke.