The novel written by Maryse Conde, I, Tituba, Black Witch of Salem is an interesting novel expanding on the true story of the West Indian slave Tituba, who was accused of witchcraft in Salem Massachusetts. Conde bring Tituba's character out of a historical silence, and creates a personal narrative of childhood, adolescence, and adulthood. Within this tale, Tituba tells her story in first person and although it may be fiction, Conde does well at making it seem it was true. Tituba addresses the trials and tribulations she experienced that eventually lead to her death. This included injustices done towards her as well as tales of love and friendship. Her long and strenuous life is inspired by many of her female counterparts, but is also hindered
…show more content…
When the two meet, Tituba was starstruck by his charm. “My God how this man could laugh! And as each note rang out, a locked compartment burst open in my heart” (Conde 16). Tituba at this point was inexperienced with men, and as her first encounter she fell head over heels for him. As the novel progresses, Tituba begins to realize that John is in fact weak, but she chooses to ignore it. Her love for John is so unwavering that she is unable to see how condescending he is. When the couple first met he says “It’s not surprising people are afraid of you, you don’t know how to talk and your hair is a tangle. You could be lovely if you wanted to be” (Conde …show more content…
She helps him with household chores and care for his nine children. Although the two are from opposite worlds, a sexual relationship is formed between them. This fling ended with Benjamin freeing her, and is later met with Christopher after returning home to Barbados. He is the leader of a group of maroons on the island. At first the two were just friends, but they also form a sexual relationship. Before long she then forms a relationship with a young slave named Iphigene. She sees him as son figure when they first met, and after having to rid of her unborn infant, she believed he was her child reincarnated. “I was once pregnant and had to do away with the baby. It seems to me you have come back in its place” she told him (Conde 166). This son and motherlike relationship last for a short period before it turns sexual. It is as if Tituba has no sense of self control when it comes to men. She seeks affection and acts out in lust toward every man she meets, leaving no room for cordial relationships.
While is seems as men were Tituba’s weakness, it is not likely that without the help of female characters she would have survived long enough to make the return to Barbados. She relies heavily on the guidance of female figures to help her pick up the pieces of her shambled life and continue to persevere. Perhaps the most essential character in doing this is Mama
When the two meet, Tituba was starstruck by his charm. “My God how this man could laugh! And as each note rang out, a locked compartment burst open in my heart” (Conde 16). Tituba at this point was inexperienced with men, and as her first encounter she fell head over heels for him. As the novel progresses, Tituba begins to realize that John is in fact weak, but she chooses to ignore it. Her love for John is so unwavering that she is unable to see how condescending he is. When the couple first met he says “It’s not surprising people are afraid of you, you don’t know how to talk and your hair is a tangle. You could be lovely if you wanted to be” (Conde …show more content…
She helps him with household chores and care for his nine children. Although the two are from opposite worlds, a sexual relationship is formed between them. This fling ended with Benjamin freeing her, and is later met with Christopher after returning home to Barbados. He is the leader of a group of maroons on the island. At first the two were just friends, but they also form a sexual relationship. Before long she then forms a relationship with a young slave named Iphigene. She sees him as son figure when they first met, and after having to rid of her unborn infant, she believed he was her child reincarnated. “I was once pregnant and had to do away with the baby. It seems to me you have come back in its place” she told him (Conde 166). This son and motherlike relationship last for a short period before it turns sexual. It is as if Tituba has no sense of self control when it comes to men. She seeks affection and acts out in lust toward every man she meets, leaving no room for cordial relationships.
While is seems as men were Tituba’s weakness, it is not likely that without the help of female characters she would have survived long enough to make the return to Barbados. She relies heavily on the guidance of female figures to help her pick up the pieces of her shambled life and continue to persevere. Perhaps the most essential character in doing this is Mama