What Role Did Tituba Play In The Crucible '

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Tituba, Reverend Parris's African American slave from Barbados, plays a major role in The Crucible, being one of the primary catalysts of the Salem Witch Trials. Tituba was the first person accused of witchery during the Salem Witch Trials by Abigail Williams, and the first person to, consequently, admit to witchcraft. Tituba, growing up in Barbados, never saw dancing and singing as a wild and satanic, as dancing was tied to her African roots. As she is transitioned to America, however, she had to conform to the Puritan lifestyle, in which one could not sing or dance. One night, at the girls of Salem, Massachusetts's requests, she decided to perform a ritual that would allow them a boyfriends, however, it quickly escalated into the event that would spill blood, reveal deep secrets of the time, and destroy the trust within the community in Salem. She began the ritual, in which the girls stated the men they wanted. One particular woman, Abigail Williams, had coerced Tituba to give her chicken blood, in order to kill a man's wife to be with him. Once all the men's names were said, the girls became rowdy and began to dance …show more content…

As Abigail pitted her guilt on Tituba, as Tituba did lead the gathering, Tituba, with no support and truly isolated, gives the people what they want: a witch. She claims to have seen the Devil, desperately trying to turn away, however his grasp was too strong. She claims she had seen others with him, calling out others. It could be said the Salem Witch Trials were of her fault, however, the blame could also be placed on Abigail, as she is the one who initiated the lies regarding the Devil. Due to her heavy contribution to the accusation of witchcraft, it cannot be said, despite how little she appears, she played a minor and insignificant role throughout the play, as every action can be connected to her admitting her