The Witch of Blackbird Pond

by

Elizabeth George Speare

Thomas Tupper was Hannah Tupper’s husband who died before the events of the novel. Prior to arriving in Wethersfield, Thomas and Hannah lived in Massachusetts, where they were persecuted for being Quakers. The Puritans beat and branded the Tuppers and drove them across the border of Massachusetts. This traumatic event captures the cruelty of discriminating against others because of their differences; in this instance, the Massachusetts Puritans discriminated against the Tuppers for practicing a different religion. When the Tuppers arrive in Wethersfield, Connecticut, the Puritan townspeople ostracize them and force them to live outside of town. So, Thomas builds Hannah a cottage in the Great Meadows. Even after his death, the cottage feels like home to Hannah—she has a meaningful connection to the place because her husband lovingly built it.
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Thomas Tupper Character Timeline in The Witch of Blackbird Pond

The timeline below shows where the character Thomas Tupper appears in The Witch of Blackbird Pond. The colored dots and icons indicate which themes are associated with that appearance.
Chapter 10
Puritan Hypocrisy Theme Icon
Difference, Prejudice, and Discrimination Theme Icon
...they go.” In some places, like Boston, Puritans hang Quakers. Hannah Tupper and her husband, Thomas, however, were branded and banned from Massachusetts. Rachel believes that they were grateful to be... (full context)
Difference, Prejudice, and Discrimination Theme Icon
Hannah eagerly tells Nat that she had told Thomas she was sure that he would come soon. Kit is surprised—Thomas is dead. She notes... (full context)
Chapter 12
Love, Values, and Attraction Theme Icon
...so and then asks whether Hannah is okay—she is worried that Hannah sometimes talks about Thomas as if he is still alive. Nat quickly lays these worries to rest, assuring her... (full context)