Tituba and Her Varied Experiences Leading and Contributing to the Witch Trials of 1692
In Tituba, the Reluctant Witch of Salem, Breslaw describes the many experiences, trials, and tribulations of the Indian slave. From Tituba’s capture by slave traders through her many years among the Puritans of New England, the woman known as Tituba became skilled at adapting to new situations. Tituba’s varied experiences with Amerindian, African, and English culture all contributed to the events that took place during the Salem witch trials of 1692. Without her varied cultural experiences and background it is possible the trials would have never taken place. Tituba is believed to be of a tribe of Indians native to South America, known as the Arawaks. ... Upon arriving in Barbados Tituba first comes in contact with a primarily dominate English society, as most servants during the early 17th century were immigrant indentured servants from the British Isles, particularly England. ... Tituba’s cultural background had much to do with the shaping and cause of the Salem witch trials. ... During Tituba’s testimony she spoke of yellow bird and a dog. ... The bird had special significance for Tituba, because the Arawak Indians believed that birds were magical messengers [129]. ... While on the island of Barbados Tituba came in very intimate contact with the culture of the African Americans. ... This African culture with which she came so closely associated with could have also shaped the happenings during the time leading to the witch trials. ... Transition to an African-Barbados society was somewhat eased for Tituba because of the similarity of some African cultural features and to those of the American Indians. ... Upon the arrival of the Parris family into New England, Tituba was once again forced to face a cultural change.