In real life, after the trials, Tituba's fate took a tragic turn. She was left to languish in Boston Gaol, where the living conditions were abysmal. The gaol fees, which were required to be paid by the accused or their supporters, were not covered by Samuel Parris, despite being the person who had initially accused Tituba of being a witch. This left her in a state of despair and uncertainty.
Tituba's time in Boston Gaol was marked by hardship and suffering. The gaol was known for its poor conditions, with cramped and filthy cells, inadequate food, and little access to fresh air or sunlight. The prisoners were subjected to inhumane treatment, and disease and illness were rampant. It was a bleak and desolate existence for Tituba and the other inmates.
During her time in gaol, Tituba was not completely forgotten. She was called upon to testify in other trials of accused witches. This was a common practice during the Salem witch trials, as the testimonies of previous accused witches were often used as evidence against new suspects. Tituba's testimony was likely used to bolster the prosecution's case and further fuel the hysteria surrounding witchcraft.
However, despite her cooperation and willingness to testify against others, Tituba's situation did not improve. Samuel Parris, who had played a significant role in her accusations and subsequent imprisonment, still refused to pay her gaol fees. This left Tituba in a state of limbo, trapped in gaol with no hope of release.
It wasn't until April 1693, over a year after her initial arrest, that Tituba's fate took another turn. She was sold to an unknown person for the price of her gaol fees. This sale effectively transferred ownership of Tituba from the authorities to a private individual. The identity and intentions of this new owner remain a mystery.
The sale of Tituba raises many questions and concerns. It is unclear why someone would purchase a former accused witch, especially considering the stigma and fear associated with witchcraft during that time. It is possible that Tituba's new owner intended to exploit her knowledge of witchcraft for their own purposes, or that they simply saw an opportunity to acquire a servant for a relatively low price.
Unfortunately, the historical record does not provide much information about what happened to Tituba after her sale. Her story fades into obscurity, leaving us with only fragments of her life and experiences. We can only imagine the hardships she endured and the challenges she faced as a woman of color accused of witchcraft in a society gripped by fear and hysteria.
Tituba's real-life story after the trials was one of continued hardship and uncertainty. She remained in Boston Gaol for over a year, enduring terrible living conditions and testifying in other trials. Eventually, she was sold to an unknown person, leaving her fate and the details of her life after the trials largely unknown. Tituba's story serves as a reminder of the injustices and suffering endured by those accused during the Salem witch trials, and the lasting impact it had on their lives.