Mrs. Putnam lost seven babies. These were children who died after their birth, profoundly impacting her life and character.
The Impact of Loss on Ann Putnam
Ann Putnam, wife of Thomas Putnam and mother of Ruth Putnam, was deeply affected by the repeated tragedy of losing her children. The deaths of her seven babies became a central obsession in her life, consuming her focus and shaping her personality. This profound grief and loss led to several notable characteristics:
- Obsessive Nature: She became consumed by the deaths, constantly dwelling on the losses rather than focusing on her living family members, including her husband and teenage daughter, Ruth.
- "Death-Ridden" Persona: Her overwhelming sorrow and preoccupation with death were so intense that she was described as "death-ridden," indicating how thoroughly these tragedies had permeated her existence.
- Preference for Scandal: Her personal anguish made her more inclined towards seeking explanations or finding fault in others, often preferring scandal or suspicion over a calm demeanor, as she grappled with the unexplainable nature of her children's deaths.
Her relentless grief over these seven losses played a significant role in the community's tensions and the unfolding events, as she sought answers and scapegoats for her unbearable sorrow.
