THE USES OF WITCHES AND WITCHCRAFT IN LITERATURE

Abstract

This thesis compares the witch-figure as she is portrayed in children's literature and adult literature, using selected texts from these two categories for discussion and analysis. The witch has made her presence felt not only historically, but also in various forms of creative literature. The persecution of witches during the massive witch-hunts in Europe and America between the fifteenth and eighteenth centuries, has left an indelible impression of their character on our minds; it has also influenced literary portrayals of the witch. It will be seen that witches in the former category are characterised in a way that fails to take into account their position firstly as human beings, and secondly as women who were wrongly accused and unjustly persecuted in the past. Admittedly, real witches existed then and still do, and some of those persecuted were guilty of evil actions. The practice of witchcraft was generally regarded and condemned in the past as Devil-worship, and not viewed as an alternative method of worship. The status of witchcraft as a religious belief in itself and within the occult is discussed, to place the thesis in perspective. The witch's character in literature has probably been derived from the (negative) impact of widespread persecutions of practising witches as well as the innocent masses unjustly accused of evil. The category of children's literature represents the witch as a stereotypical figure who embodies qualities that one associates with evil; she represents a convenient antithesis to good in the duality of good and evil, which is an undeserved portrait, but which leaves a lasting impression on young minds. Such partialities are not as prevalent in adult literature, which provides a broader and more positive view of her as a person. Significantly, in both categories, the witch is associated with the female sex, although the term rightfully encompasses both sexes. These gender-based portrayals, with their accompanying negative connotations, serve as a contrast to male counterparts like wizards who receive better treatment in their characterisations. Concluding, the thesis summarises the analyses of the foregoing five chapters, and takes a brief look at the current practices of witches.