In the TV show Good Witch, the characters Nick and Grace gradually grow closer throughout the seasons. Nick, the rebellious and troubled teenager, and Grace, the empathetic and kind-hearted young girl, initially have a somewhat strained relationship. However, as the series progresses, they begin to bond over shared experiences and a mutual understanding. Through their interactions, it becomes clear that they both have a deep desire for connection and acceptance. One of the main factors that contribute to Nick and Grace growing closer is their shared experiences. Both characters have faced challenges and personal struggles, which allows them to relate to each other on a deeper level.
Supernatural: an anthropologist’s account of witchcraft, shamans and magic
The frost-bitten tundra cultures of northern Siberia may not seem to have much to do with those of Mozambique, but put the two side-by-side and there are surprising similarities. Magic and the power of the supernatural play a key role in both cultures, as they do across most societies, says anthropology professor and department chair John Ziker.
“I started fieldwork in Siberia in 1992. In the community where I lived for three years, there are people with reputations for having supernatural powers,” he said. “Some of these people are formally recognized as shamans, some are descended from shamans.”
The shamans he described in this tundra culture traditionally wore heavily-adorned parkas. Ornamented with bronze icons and other culturally-relevant symbols, the parka can weigh about 40 kilograms, or 88 pounds. One culturally relevant symbol are the faces on the shoulders of the parkas: these are faces of ancestors, and their noses are shaped like the bow of a ship for an unexpected reason.
Kosterkin clan ritual in Siberia. Photo by John Ziker
“These faces with long, thin noses help the shaman break through iron waves in order to get to the underworld, where they do battle with some kind of spirit that has taken someone’s soul,” Ziker explained.
Shamans traditionally do important spiritual healing work through such battles. However, in the past, some shamans were accused of doing evil deeds, much like witchcraft accusations in other societies.
More recently, while doing field research in Mozambique, Ziker witnessed contemporary witchcraft accusations. Though it has faded from use in many cultures and societies, accusations of witchcraft are still alive in others.
“It’s really common across sub-Saharan Africa, and fairly common in more traditional societies in other parts of the world as well,” said Ziker. “The people who have the least connections within the community, those are the ones who are more often accused of witchcraft.”
Fertility and protective symbols are painted on side of house in Mozambique. Photo by John Ziker
Ziker explained that witchcraft accusations have served as a political tool geared to maintain the social order, though not always in the way one would expect. Two common social science explanations of witchcraft are the mass hysteria theory and the scapegoat theory.
The mass hysteria theory has been used to explain examples such as the witch killings of the reformation and counter-reformation in the 16th and 17th centuries. During these religious wars, communities demanded magistrates find a reason for their ills, oftentimes demanding and forcing the decisions to condemn community members.
In the scapegoat theory, someone peripheral in the community takes the blame for the problems in the community. This approach has been used to explain incidences such as the Salem witch trials. Both of these theories have significant challenges to overcome in explaining actual witchcraft accusation and prosecution patterns, both historically in the West and cross-culturally.
“While it is interesting that these people are being accused of witchcraft and prosecuted because they’re relatively powerless, ultimately, accusations are aimed to demonstrate to some other group that this group [in power] is willing to go to that extent in order to protect its interests. It’s a statement to people who really do threaten the social order,” said Ziker.
The definition of witchcraft in anthropology covers such accusations of supernatural evil. Ziker often is asked about Wicca and Wiccans, who do not fit this definition. In anthropology, Wicca is viewed as a new religious movement, and consider it using other concepts such as magic, sorcery and sacrifice. Wiccans embrace the identity of witchcraft to create power structures of their own in the face of dominant religions. Researcher Wouter Hanegraaff with the University of Amsterdam refers to this as a “positive antitype.”
Going beyond social typologies, Ziker encouraged researchers to look at the nuances of behavior and individual costs and benefits of cooperative strategies. Wicca, like other new religious movements, uses supernatural claims to create, maintain and expand social relationships.
As an anthropologist, Ziker said that being able to understand the motives and mindset that shape such supernatural beliefs requires using observational methods to analyze various details, ranging from educational levels, to wealth, kinship relations and much more.
“In anthropology, we listen to what people say about what they’re doing, but our main methods are focused on what people are doing,” said Ziker. “And a lot of times we say one thing and do something completely different.”
Both characters have faced challenges and personal struggles, which allows them to relate to each other on a deeper level. They understand what it feels like to be misunderstood or judged by others, and this creates a unique bond between them. As the series unfolds, Nick and Grace open up to each other about their respective issues and offer support and encouragement.
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ANTH 4751: Supernatural-Magic, Witchcraft, and Religion: Home
Welcome to the class page for Anthropology 4751. Here you will find resources that are suggested for your research in this class as well as links to required course readings and films. If you need help accessing library resources or doing research, please contact the Anthropology Librarian.
Moreover, Nick and Grace's relationship is also strengthened by their mutual understanding. They are both individuals who have had difficulties in their lives, and they are able to empathize with each other's feelings and emotions. This empathy builds a strong foundation for their friendship, as they can genuinely understand and support one another. It is this understanding that allows them to be there for each other in challenging times. In addition, Nick and Grace's shared connection with Cassie, the main character and Good Witch, adds another layer to their growing closeness. Cassie acts as a guiding figure to both of them, providing them with wisdom and advice. Through their interactions with Cassie, Nick and Grace begin to see each other in a different light, recognizing each other's strengths and potential. This shared mentorship from Cassie helps them develop a deeper appreciation for one another. In conclusion, Nick and Grace's relationship in Good Witch grows closer over time. Their shared experiences and mutual understanding foster a bond that allows them to support and help each other. Through their connection with Cassie, they gain a greater appreciation for each other's strengths. The evolution of their relationship serves as a testament to the power of friendship and understanding..
Reviews for "The emotional resonance of Nick and Grace's evolving relationship in Good Witch"
- John - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really disappointed in "Do Nick and Grace grow closer in Good Witch". I felt like the storyline was dragged out and predictable. I expected more growth and development between the two characters, but it felt forced and uninspiring. The dialogue was repetitive and lacked depth. Overall, I was not impressed with the lack of chemistry between Nick and Grace, and I wouldn't recommend this episode to others.
- Sarah - 3 out of 5 stars - I found "Do Nick and Grace grow closer in Good Witch" to be a bit underwhelming. While there were some sweet moments between the characters, I felt like their relationship wasn't given enough nuance and depth. The storyline felt rushed and left me wanting more. Additionally, the episode lacked the charm and magic that I usually associate with Good Witch. While it wasn't terrible, it definitely didn't live up to my expectations.
- Michael - 2 out of 5 stars - I was hoping for a more meaningful connection between Nick and Grace in "Do Nick and Grace grow closer in Good Witch", but I was left feeling disappointed. The chemistry between the actors fell flat, and the dialogue lacked emotion. The storyline felt predictable and lacked originality. Overall, I found this episode to be forgettable and lacking the magic that usually makes Good Witch so enjoyable to watch.
- Emily - 2 out of 5 stars - I was really looking forward to seeing Nick and Grace grow closer in "Do Nick and Grace grow closer in Good Witch", but I found their relationship to be underdeveloped and unconvincing. The writing was weak, and the storyline felt forced. It seemed like the writers were trying too hard to create a connection between the characters without giving it the necessary depth. I was left feeling disappointed and unsatisfied with this episode.