Week 5: "Witches"

(Illustration by Danielle Otrakji)

The classic witch is traditionally depicted as a hideous, broom riding, child eating, pimply, pointy hat wearing woman, who casts spells and is chased by angry mobs with pitch forks. Over the years, witches have taken on several different roles and images in horror literature and films. Of all the supernatural creatures in horror, witches are some of my favorites. I am so intrigued by the power and strength they possess, and how malevolent and manipulative they can be. Much like sirens, witches tend to have a haunting power over men and use their magic to cast spells on those they want to control or take from. Witches are often times associated with the devil in Christianity and were therefore hung for performing magic, spells, wicca and any form of sorcery deemed unholy. Some of my favorite modern witches in film include the witches from, "Hocus Pocus" , "The Craft", and Maleficent from "Sleeping Beauty". 

Though the witches in "Aunt Maria" aren't depicted like the classic witch or the stereotypical witches, they do possess similar qualities. The women in Cranbury aren't particularly hideous or frightening in appearance, but do have a similar control over the men of their town. They are strong and powerful and control the town for their own benefit. So even though they aren't traditional witches, they are perceived as "witchy" or malicious because they posses this power and control that most women are not expected to have over men. This was a huge factor in the stigma of 'witches'. It was a way to oppress women who felt strength and power over someone or something, to a degree. This is the characteristic in witches that I respect and admire so much. Despite all of the attributes and embellishments on women being 'witches', they are simply strong, forceful, indomitable women who obtain what they desire.