The Victorian era saw a fascination with witches, witchcraft, and the supernatural. This period in history, which spanned from the 1830s to the early 1900s, was characterized by a strict moral code and an emphasis on proper behavior and social norms. However, despite the apparent rigidity of the time, there was also a growing interest in the occult and the mysterious. Witchcraft, in particular, captured the imagination of Victorians. Despite the dominant belief in Christianity and the fear of witchcraft being associated with evil, there was a curious fascination with these magical practitioners. They were often depicted as old, hunchbacked women with warts, broomsticks, and black pointy hats.
The witch of Loddon, as presented by Margaret James, seems to straddle the boundary between a witch and a cunning woman. Owen Davies has shown that the idea that cunning folk gained mastery of the devil (rather than allowing themselves to be mastered by him) was what often distinguished them from witches in the popular imagination. The witch of Loddon clearly made her living partly as a service magician, specifically a charmer. Possession of imps was a feature of some cunning folk as well as witches, such as the wizard of Aldeburgh in Suffolk, ‘Old Winter’. On the other hand, the idea of a person becoming a witch by allowing an imp to suckle his or her blood derives straight from the demonology of the seventeenth-century witchfinders.
The word witch itself may have been used with multiple senses as a straightforward term of abuse against a woman; as a synonym for a cunning woman or service magician; or to refer to a person suspected of causing supernatural harm by ill-wishing the malefic witch. The ways in which the supernatural arose and manifested alongside historical events has always fascinated me, and consequently I ve found myself studying subjects that considered the mystical in both the literary and historical units of my degree.
They were often depicted as old, hunchbacked women with warts, broomsticks, and black pointy hats. These stereotypical images of witches became ingrained in popular culture and continue to influence depictions of witches to this day. The Victorian era also saw an increase in interest in occult practices such as seances, spiritualism, and tarot readings.
Inner Lives
People held séances to communicate with the dead, often in an attempt to contact lost loved ones. Mediums claimed to be able to communicate with spirits, and spiritualism gained popularity among both the upper and lower classes. Tarot cards, with their mystical images and symbolic meanings, were popular props for fortune-telling and divination. The fascination with witches during the Victorian era can be attributed to several factors. Firstly, the Industrial Revolution and rapid societal changes created a sense of anxiety and uncertainty. In this context, the supernatural and occult provided an escape from the constraints of reality and offered a means to cope with the unknown. Secondly, the Victorian era saw a rise in women's rights movements, with women fighting for equal rights and suffrage. The figure of the witch, a powerful and independent woman who defied societal norms, may have appealed to women who were seeking empowerment and autonomy. Lastly, the literary and artistic movements of the time played a significant role in popularizing the image of the witch. Writers such as Bram Stoker, Charles Dickens, and Mary Shelley included elements of witchcraft and the supernatural in their works, contributing to the enduring fascination with witches. In conclusion, the Victorian era witnessed a keen interest in witches, witchcraft, and the supernatural. This fascination can be attributed to a variety of factors, including societal changes, women's rights movements, and the influence of literature and art. Despite the strict moral code of the time, Victorians were captivated by the mysterious and magical world of witches, which continues to captivate our imaginations to this day..
Reviews for "Witchcraft and Fashion in Victorian England: Symbols and Style"
1. Emily - 2/5 stars - I was really disappointed with "Victorian era witches". The storyline felt cliché and predictable, with no real twists or surprises. The characters lacked depth and development, and I found it difficult to connect with any of them. The writing style was also repetitive and lacked originality. Overall, I found this book to be unoriginal and a letdown.
2. James - 1/5 stars - This book was a complete waste of time. The plot was weak and poorly executed, and the characters were one-dimensional and uninteresting. The author seemed to rely heavily on stereotypes and clichés, making the story boring and predictable. The writing itself was also subpar, with awkward and forced dialogue. I would not recommend "Victorian era witches" to anyone looking for a well-crafted and engaging read.
3. Sarah - 1/5 stars - I couldn't even finish "Victorian era witches" because it was so bad. The story was slow-paced and lacked any real excitement or suspense. The characters were unlikable and the dialogue was stilted and unrealistic. Additionally, the historical accuracy of the Victorian era was lacking, which further detracted from the overall reading experience. I regret wasting my time on this poorly written and unengaging book.