Endless Arguments

For the most part, Edward and I got along just fine. However, each day Edward looked at me differently, almost as if I had something to hide. I had trouble keeping a healthy relationship with past husbands, mainly because they did not understand my beliefs and how I carry myself. In 1679, when I was married to Thomas Oliver, I was accused of witchcraft because of the constant arguments I had with my husband. The judges believe that the woman is always at fault and has no right to be arguing with her own husband. I may have a short temper, however I know the disagreements I have with my husbands usually are because I stick up for myself and refuse to be degraded because i am a woman or an outcast in Salem. It is clear taht individuality in this town does not ensure respect.

The Town Tavern

Edward and I bought a house in Salem, and we used the house to our full advantage. Today, I opened the town’s first tavern and it is very popular for all of the young males in Salem. I bought a shuffleboard table, and the young men would play all night. However, the neighbors were not happy with the noise, but in reality, they are just upset they aren’t having as much fun. My neighbors are jealous of my success and only want me to fail and feel humiliated.

My Appearance is Troubling

Ever since marrying Edward Bishop, my social standing in the village went completely downhill. On a typical day, I would usually wear bright, outgoing colors including my red paragon bodice, which bothered many puritans and because I stuck out like a sore thumb, I was easily judged. Today, Samuel Shattuck, the man who dyed my clothing was concerned because of my vivacious clothing. I was simply dressing how I wanted to dress, and I do not see the issue with being an individual. However, the people of Salem must think differently.

Who I am

My name is Bridget Bishop and I was born in 1632 in a town called Norwich, England. (Death in Salem 43). Life was relatively calm up until I moved to the Boston area, to a town called Salem in the 1660’s. I have been married multiple times, however, my husband when I moved to Salem was Thomas Oliver. We had a daughter named Christian. Thomas was not a good man, and would periodically beat me without reason, which sparked many public fights that would later end in court. Thomas later died, of an unknown cause thus I remarried a man by the name of Edward, a crucial member of the church. I later moved into Edward’s house and transformed it into my own tavern, which sparked many controversy, but a lot of the townspeople loved it!

So It Begins

In 1689, war took over Boston and my own little town of Salem. There was much controversy involving the Indians from the West, as they were causing a hysteria within Salem. Otherwise known as King William's War, not only were we in battle with Indian tribes, like the Wabanaki's, but we were waging war with the French as well.  The entire situation was very difficult, and there is a lot of pressure on the colonists, trying to settle as well as coping with constant attacks from Indian tribes.

Years have passed and it is now 1692. Salem has gone completely downhill and it seems as if people are beginning to judge the way I carry myself within the town. I cannot trust anyone around me, and the people are always giving me funny looks, but why? I dress different and I am an individual, however, how does that make me evil?