Kissing the Witch is a collection of interconnected fairy tale retellings written by renowned author Emma Donoghue. The book, originally published in 1997, reimagines classic stories such as Cinderella, Snow White, and Rapunzel through a feminist lens. Each of the thirteen tales is connected through a common thread of female characters who face various trials and transformations. Donoghue delves into the hidden depths of these tales, exploring themes of oppression, agency, and the power of storytelling. One of the standout features of Kissing the Witch is the way in which Donoghue subverts traditional notions of gender roles and power dynamics. In each retelling, the female characters grapple with societal expectations and find ways to claim their own agency.
Tis the Divinity that stirs within us.
The term divination originates from Latin divinare to foresee, to foretell, to predict, to prophesy related to divinus , divine, or to be inspired by a god. The science of divine things; the science which unfolds the character of God, his laws and moral government, the duties of man, and the way of salvation; theology; as the study of divinity; a system of divinity.
In each retelling, the female characters grapple with societal expectations and find ways to claim their own agency. For example, in the retelling of Cinderella, the protagonist forms a romantic relationship with another woman rather than the expected prince charming. Through her retellings, Donoghue also explores the complex nature of female relationships.
Meaning of divination in English
You can also find related words, phrases, and synonyms in the topics:
- Another form of divination which they employ for the same purpose is to put the question to the ghost, while two men hold a bow which belonged to him and to which some personal articles of his are attached.
- He is supposed to have been well versed in the arts of divination and astrology, and was the origin of the Persian magi.
- If the woman had no such dream, it fell to the father or the relatives to determine the name by divination or by consulting a wizard.
- It needed little divination on her part to guess what the words might have been.
- Visitors are there in plenty, but their object is to "get luck," and the business of religion has become transformed into divination and spiritual gambling.
Whether it is the bond between sisters, the rivalry between stepmothers and stepdaughters, or the love between two women, Donoghue highlights the importance of connections between women and the support they can provide one another. Another notable aspect of Kissing the Witch is the way in which Donoghue incorporates elements of magical realism. By intertwining fantasy elements with the familiar fairy tale narratives, she creates a world that is both enchanting and thought-provoking. This blending of the real and the fantastical adds an extra layer of depth to the stories, allowing readers to question the inherent truths within the original tales. In conclusion, Kissing the Witch is a compelling and imaginative collection that breathes new life into traditional fairy tales. Emma Donoghue's feminist reimagining of these stories challenges societal norms and presents readers with a fresh perspective on well-known characters. Through her masterful storytelling and incorporation of magical realism, Donoghue invites readers to question the narratives they have been fed and consider the power of rewriting their own stories..
Reviews for "Breaking the Spell: Analyzing the Witch's Kiss in 'Kissing the Witch"
1. Emma - 2 stars - I was really disappointed with "Kissing the Witch". The concept of retelling fairy tales from a feminist perspective seemed interesting, but the execution fell short. The stories felt rushed and lacked depth. The characters were one-dimensional and the dialogue was simplistic. Overall, I found the book to be underwhelming and wished it had delved deeper into the complexities of the original fairy tales.
2. James - 2 stars - I had high hopes for "Kissing the Witch" as a fan of fairy tales and feminist literature, but unfortunately, this book didn't live up to my expectations. The retold stories felt forced and lacked the enchantment and magic of the original tales. The writing style also left something to be desired, with awkward phrasing and a lack of lyrical beauty. I appreciate the attempt to give a feminist twist to these well-known stories, but ultimately, it fell flat for me.
3. Sarah - 1 star - I couldn't finish "Kissing the Witch" because it was just too boring and uninspiring. The feminist angle felt like an afterthought and the retellings didn't bring anything new or exciting to the table. The writing was tedious, and the lack of strong character development made it difficult to engage with the stories. Overall, this book was a major letdown and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone looking for an interesting and thought-provoking read.
4. Michael - 2 stars - "Kissing the Witch" had a great premise, but it failed to deliver on its promises. The stories lacked coherence and the attempt to give them a feminist twist felt forced and shallow. I was hoping for a refreshing take on fairy tales, but instead, I got a collection of underdeveloped narratives that left me feeling unsatisfied. The writing style also didn't captivate me, and I struggled to stay engaged throughout. It's unfortunate because this book had the potential to be so much more.
5. Jennifer - 1 star - I found "Kissing the Witch" to be a tedious and frustrating read. The feminist reimagining of classic fairy tales sounded intriguing, but the execution was lackluster. The stories felt disjointed and the attempts to subvert gender stereotypes felt heavy-handed. The characters lacked depth and I found it difficult to connect with them. Overall, this book left me disappointed and I struggled to find any redeeming qualities in it.