Tabitha Character Overview
Tabitha enters Ana's life as the daughter of one of Matthias's scribes, their friendship initially orchestrated by Ana's mother, Hadar, to steer Ana towards more conventional feminine pursuits. However, Tabitha evolves far beyond a simple companion, transforming into a poignant figure whose tragic fate underscores the novel's exploration of Feminism and Women's Voices. Her brutal silencing after bravely denouncing her rapist becomes a stark symbol of the violent oppression women face, profoundly shaping Ana's mission to document their stories.
Who Is Tabitha?
Tabitha embodies both the vibrant potential and the crushing vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society. Initially presented as a playful counterpoint to Ana's intellectual pursuits, she possesses a deep well of courage that surfaces after a horrific assault. Her defiance, though brutally suppressed, ignites a fire in Ana and ultimately transforms Tabitha into a symbol of resilience and the enduring power of the female spirit.
Personality & Traits
Initially, Tabitha appears as a carefree spirit, enjoying song, dance, and the innocent curiosity of youth. However, beneath this lighthearted exterior lies a perceptive and courageous soul, willing to confront injustice even at great personal risk. Her resilience, demonstrated by her ability to find a new voice after unimaginable trauma, is a testament to the strength of her character.
- Playful and Lighthearted: She enjoys singing, dancing, and musing on "the mysteries of the marriage bed," bringing a sense of fun and normalcy to Ana's more serious life.
- Direct and Perceptive: Tabitha confronts Ana's initial coolness head-on, declaring, "I think you don’t like me very much," paving the way for a genuine friendship.
- Courageous and Defiant: After being raped, Tabitha bravely accuses the soldier publicly, "wailing and tearing at her hair, crying out that one of Herod’s soldiers had forced her to lie with him."
- Resilient: Years later, Ana finds Tabitha in Bethany, where she has learned to communicate again and discovered a new voice through music, stating, "The tongue is an adaptable creature. It finds a way."
Character Journey
Tabitha's journey is a heart-wrenching descent from youthful exuberance to profound suffering, followed by a testament to the enduring strength of the human spirit. Initially a foil to Ana, content with traditional expectations, her rape shatters her world, transforming her into a symbol of righteous fury. Her public accusation, though swiftly silenced by her father's brutal act, ignites Ana's determination to record women's stories. Reappearing in Bethany, Tabitha, though scarred, has found a new means of expression through the lyre, symbolizing the resilience of the female spirit.
Key Relationships
Ana: Tabitha is Ana's closest female friend, introducing her to the joys of play, song, and simple girlhood pleasures. Tabitha's tragic fate profoundly impacts Ana, fueling her determination to ensure women's stories are not forgotten. Ana's act of revenge in Tabitha's father's study—splashing Tabitha's blood on his scrolls and stolen bowls—is a fierce act of solidarity, underscoring the depth of their bond and Ana's commitment to justice.
Tabitha's Father: He embodies the brutal enforcement of patriarchal honor, silencing Tabitha to erase the "shame" she brought upon their house by speaking of her rape. His action—cutting out her tongue—is a literal and symbolic representation of how the system silences women who dare to speak their truth. His betrayal is a stark illustration of the dangers women face within their own families and communities.
Jesus: Years later in Bethany, Tabitha anoints the feet of Jesus with expensive spikenard, an act of devotion that earns her rebuke from Judas but praise from Jesus. He validates her new form of expression through music and devotion, saying, "Each of us must find a way to love the world. You have found yours." This moment offers a glimmer of hope, suggesting that even in the face of unimaginable trauma, healing and purpose are possible.
Defining Moments
- The "Blind Girls" Dance: Tabitha and Ana dress in Hadar's finery, paint eyes on their closed lids, and dance, anointing each other's foreheads with spikenard and declaring, "I anoint you Tabitha, friend of Ana," cementing their bond. This moment symbolizes the joy and freedom of female friendship, a stark contrast to the oppression they later face.
- Public Accusation: After her rape, Tabitha stands on the street near the synagogue and publicly names her attacker, cursing him and those who would ignore her. This is her most powerful and defiant act, a courageous attempt to reclaim her voice and demand justice.
- The Mutilation: Ana visits Tabitha and discovers the horrific truth that her father has cut out her tongue. The image of Tabitha pulling a long, bloody strip of linen from her mouth is one of the book's most haunting moments, symbolizing the ultimate silencing of a woman's voice.
- Reunion in Bethany: Years later, Ana is reunited with Tabitha, who has found a new life and a new voice with her lyre. This moment showcases her incredible resilience and provides a measure of hope after her immense suffering, demonstrating the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome trauma.
Essential Quotes
I think you don’t like me very much.
This simple statement reveals Tabitha's emotional intelligence and her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths. It marks the beginning of a genuine friendship with Ana, one that transcends superficial expectations.
My father says my mind is weak, and my tongue, weaker.
This quote highlights the patriarchal devaluation of women's voices and intellect. It foreshadows the tragic events to come, where Tabitha's voice is literally silenced by the very person who should have protected her.
She brought shame on her father and this house! Her punishment is spoken of in Scripture—‘the perverse tongue shall be cut out.’
This chilling declaration reveals the twisted logic behind Tabitha's mutilation. It exposes the brutal enforcement of patriarchal honor, where a woman's voice is seen as a threat to be silenced at any cost.
The tongue is an adaptable creature. It finds a way.
This powerful statement, spoken years after her trauma, encapsulates Tabitha's resilience and her ability to find a new means of expression. It symbolizes the enduring power of the human spirit to overcome even the most devastating experiences.