It is apparent from reading Chapters 2 to 7 of Part II, that sexuality and feminism are definitely key themes in comprehending Tituba’s story.  Although this was implicit from the previous chapters, the scenes Conde portray here, bolster this claim ten-fold.  With this being said, there were two specific scenes that stood out in conjunction with this, and that caught my attention.  This also brings me back to my previous blog posts concerning that of relationships, particularly when we witness Elizabeth Parris visit Tituba when she is imprisoned in Salem.  Elizabeth Parris is extremely contrite, as she is now filled with guilt after realizing the scheme regarding Tituba so late. Here we learn that this repent may truly only be arising because the conspiracy against Tituba is now affecting the community and a large number of women who are innocent, but it can also be implied that Elizabeth’s sorrow is genuine.  Her confession that all of these women are being tried for witchcraft because of Abigail, further proves that her remorse is veritable.  Her request for forgiveness for not only herself, but also for Betsey who was one reason for Tituba’s confinement took a great amount of courage; but from Elizabeth’s more amicable personality, this was something I expected.

Tituba’s relationship with her cellmate Hester was also very important in fortifying elements of the story.  Conde was able to integrate the essence of feminism into the story simply through Tituba and Hester’s (although seemingly short lived) relationship.  When they are both in the cell discussing their situations and men, Conde tends to contrast their ideals concerning of being a woman in society.  When Hester describes Satan as “…sometimes being a black man,” I was definitely a little brought back by her principles, but it definitely drew the line diverging her and Tituba.  In a way, I scrutinized not only this scene, but their relationship as a whole as a way to contrast the morals or values of a white feminist and black womanist.  Tituba’s relationship with Hester has thus far been one of the strongest connections she has made, and Hester’s hanging is proving to have a huge toll on Tituba because of this.

In chapters two through seven, an important theme to notice is when Hester is hanged and Tituba has dreams of her. Although there are hints of sexuality for a woman and also foreshadowing of Tituba’s death it is important to notice the highlight of feminism. Hester’s spirit is closely correlated with feminism more so than Abena and Mama Yaya’s spirits. The innocent, independent idealists similar to Hester that have been persecuted over the years.

Lastly, in chapter seven, Tituba’s last line “Few people have the misfortune to be born twice” showcases significant irony. In Christianity being born again is celebrated as people are baptized and devote their new lives by living through Christ. This is a blessing for Christians; however, Tituba perceives this as more suffering and a curse.

The significant moment that I read was when Tituba and Hester prepared her testimony. This testimony had something to do with what  John Indian told Tituba to do to survive. He told her that whatever names the Puritans wanted that she should give up the names of others whether it was true of false that they were practicing witchcraft.  I wondered to myself as to why Tituba would befriend another person like she did Hester. Hadn’t she learned her lessons from Elizabeth, Betsey and Abigail, how she once cared for them and they turned on her. I found this moment significant because this was the only way Tituba was going get revenge for herself for all that they had done to her. Since she was now captured she could not go out and get herbs to make a potion, make a sacrifice or do any chanting as that would have further sealed her fate. so the only way really was to get a revenge and give up the names of those that had wronged her. This led to a bigger turmoil as it seems the entire village of Salem started to turn on each other and everyone started to suspect their neighbor. All this I felt as though one should have given up the names of a few of the ministers so they too could suffer for there cruel acts.

In this reading, what stood out to me, started from the very beginning of chapter 2. Hester talks to Tituba about being accused of being a witch. Tituba responds by saying that “witches” help a lot more than they help. Hester responds by saying that witches do things that are evil and strange, and that true miracles comes only through the lord. This shows that society only keeps what they approve and deem to be right as a standard that should be followed, and if you were to deviate from that standard, it shows that you can, or will be, ostracized, and probably even killed. Hester, who was in the cell for committing adultery, eventually hangs herself, probably because she is no longer able to endure this torment anymore. When she hangs herself, Tituba is deeply grieved since hangings have scarred her from an early age. These scenes were the ones that stuck out to me the most during these readings

While reading I, Tituba the Black Witch of Salem, I come across something very significant in this scene. After Tituba ended up in shackles for being accused as a witch, she encountered a fellow female captive named Hester. While Tituba and Hester were talking, the former noticed that the latter is pregnant. It was revealed that Hester committed Adultery. I believe this scene was ironic because of Hester’s pregnancy. It was similar how Abena and later Tituba were pregnant while they were slaves. On the other hand, both of them did not want to accept this because of their horrible pasts. Hetty’s pregnancy from the novel, “The History of Mary Prince” also reflects this scene. Another scene that I discover something very important and disturbing is Tituba losing a lot of strength and energy due to the lack of food and water. In addition, many crude strangers would observed her appearance and made offensive comments about it. I feel devastated about Tituba being on the verge of death and Hester’s pregnancy while in shackles because they both had encountered a lot of trauma and pain.

In chapters 2-7 of Part II, the part that stood out to me the most was when Hester mentioned feminism to Tituba. Hester says, “You’re too fond of love, Tituba! I’ll never make a feminist out of you!” and though Hester considers herself a feminist she’s very hateful towards men. She despises men and she doesn’t want Tituba to be so into men, which is understandable with the circumstances that she has gone through but that does not define a feminist. I do agree with what she has to say though because they’re a lot of terrible men in this novel, including John Indian, who I originally thought was good. I think that most of the conflict in the novel are male oriented and the reason everything bad in the story is happening is because of men. I also feel like Tituba is a bigger feminist than Hester because she never let a guy define her, she always did what she wanted and she doesn’t look down on anyone. I wonder how Tituba is going to go on in the novel with the thought of feminism.