In the novel "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" by Elizabeth George Speare, there is a scene where the protagonist, Thomasin, finds herself dressing up as a witch for a Halloween party. This particular event takes place during the late 17th century in New England, where the fear and persecution of witches were rampant. Thomasin, being a spirited and independent-minded young woman, decides to play along and dress up as a witch. She puts on a black pointed hat, a long cape, and carries a broomstick. However, little does she know that this seemingly innocent act will have far-reaching consequences. As the party progresses, Thomasin starts to realize the power and influence that comes with this witch getup.
The original draft was about how the titular witch manifested herself to different members of the family, meaning the film spent roughly equal time with everyone. “But through working on the second draft with my producers, Thomasin became the protagonist,” he said, adding that the film still works as an ensemble piece. In the story, the witch and her demonic partners take several forms: a goat, a raven, a rabbit, a beautiful woman, and a disfigured crone. While most of the other family members are besieged by these figures, Thomasin is targeted instead with suspicion from her parents and siblings, who come to think she’s in league with evil forces. “It was not my intention to make a story of female empowerment,” Egger said, “but I discovered in the writing that if you’re making a witch story, these are the issues that rise to the top.”
The original draft was about how the titular witch manifested herself to different members of the family, meaning the film spent roughly equal time with everyone. When he started thinking about The Witch , his focus was on the unknown, on understanding where all this stuff comes from, the origins of the clichés how they re powerful, how they re part of everyday life.
As the party progresses, Thomasin starts to realize the power and influence that comes with this witch getup. People start to treat her differently, both in awe and fear. They approach her with caution, whispering about her supposed connection to the supernatural.
Female Freedom and Fury in The Witch
The film’s director, Robert Eggers, discusses how his Puritan horror story came to focus on the empowerment of a teenage girl.
February 24, 2016 ShareRobert Eggers’s debut film, The Witch, is made with all the assuredness of one who’s a veteran master of horror. Set in Puritan New England on the edge of civilization, it builds tension through a mix of period detail and supernatural bumps in the night, telling the story of a teenage girl, Thomasin (Anya Taylor-Joy), and her family as they’re tormented by a supernatural presence in the woods. The Witch has been hailed by critics since its release last week, though the film’s scare factor has been much debated. But it’s the ending, particularly the resolution of Thomasin’s story, that distinguishes it from most traditional chillers, blending horror with an odd note of empowerment (spoilers ahead).
Initially, Thomasin enjoys the attention and the sense of mystery, reveling in the newfound power she holds. However, as the night unfolds, Thomasin begins to understand the repercussions of this choice. She sees how people's perception of her changes drastically, and she starts to feel isolated and misunderstood. She comes face to face with the discrimination and prejudice that fuel the witch hysteria of that time. **The main idea of this scene is the exploration of societal attitudes and the power of perception.** Through Thomasin's experience in a witch getup, the novel highlights how people can be quick to judge based on appearances and how this can lead to the marginalization of individuals who are perceived as different or outside societal norms. Moreover, this scene also serves as a turning point for Thomasin's character development. It forces her to confront the consequences of her choices and encourages her to reflect on her own feelings of otherness. Overall, the inclusion of Thomasin in a witch getup in "The Witch of Blackbird Pond" allows the author to delve into themes of prejudice, identity, and the complex dynamics of society..
Reviews for "Thomasin's Witch Getup: A Reflection of Colonial America's Fear of the Other"
- Emily - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with Thomasin in a witch getup. I was hoping for a more nuanced and authentic portrayal of a witch, but instead she just seemed cliché and over-the-top. The costume and makeup were cheesy and didn't do justice to the character. I think the actress could have done a much better job with a more subtle approach. Overall, it was a letdown for me.
- Jason - 1 star - I couldn't stand Thomasin in a witch getup. It felt like a cheap Halloween costume rather than a thoughtfully designed character. The whole look was tacky and lacked any kind of depth. It really took away from the overall experience for me. I wish they had put more effort into creating a more believable and captivating witch character.
- Sarah - 2 stars - I wasn't a fan of Thomasin in a witch getup. The costume and makeup were clearly cheaply done and didn't add anything to the character or the story. It felt like they just threw it together without much thought or creativity. I think they missed an opportunity to create a truly memorable and captivating witch character. Overall, it was a forgettable performance for me.