1. Origin: Tituba appears in the novel "The Witch of Salem Village" (1953) written by Shirley Jackson, while Abigail Williams is a central character in the play "The Crucible" (1953) by Arthur Miller.
2. Historical Basis: Tituba is loosely based on an actual historical figure named Tituba Indian, an enslaved woman of Barbados descent who lived in the Massachusetts Bay Colony during the infamous Salem witch trials. Abigail Williams, on the other hand, is a fictional character created by Miller.
3. Role in the Stories: Tituba plays a minor supporting role in "The Witch of Salem Village." She is depicted as a quiet, intelligent, and compassionate young slave girl accused of witchcraft due to her knowledge of herbal medicine. Abigail, on the other hand, is a primary antagonist in "The Crucible." She portrays a deceitful and manipulative young woman who, alongside her uncle, Reverend Samuel Parris, plays a significant role in fueling the hysteria and false accusations of witchcraft.
4. Motivations: Tituba's motivations are complex. She is initially loyal and protective of the protagonist, Mercy, but as the novel progresses, she undergoes internal conflicts due to her experiences with oppression, racism, and supernatural forces. Abigail's motivations are primarily self-serving. She seeks to gain power, eliminate potential romantic rivals, and shift blame away from her own indiscretions.
5. Significance: In "The Witch of Salem Village," Tituba serves as a symbol of the oppressed and marginalized individuals in the Puritan community and explores themes of prejudice and injustice. Abigail Williams, in contrast, represents the destructive power of falsehood, mass hysteria, and the dangers of unchecked power. She functions as a cautionary tale about the negative consequences of unchecked accusations and manipulation.
In conclusion, Tituba and Abigail Williams are distinct fictional characters with unique roles, motivations, and significance within their respective works of literature.