The Witch of Edmonton Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

The Witch of Edmonton Symbols, Allegory and Motifs

Beauty

Winnifred asserts, “Ay; ay; in case No other beauty tempt your eye, whom you/Like better, I may chance to be remembered.” The beauty is representative of a charming woman who may appeal to Frank’s love. Consequently, the ‘beauty’ may displace Winnifred from Frank’s heart.

Lust

Sir Arthur castigates Frank: “You should have though on this before, and then/Your reason would have overswayed the passion/ Of your unruly lust.” Sir Arthur blames Frank’s involvement with Winnifred to lust. Palpably, Sir. Arthur does not sanction premarital intimacies for they are scandalous.

“Bad tongue”

Mother Swayer asserts, “That my bad tongue-by their bad usage made so-/Forspeaks their cattle, doth bewitch their corn/Themselves, their servants, and their babes at nurse.” The ‘bad tongue’ is emblematic of Mother Swayer’s supposed wickedness. According to Mother Swayer’s tormentors, she utilizes her malevolent tongue to jinx people and their possessions.

Heaven

Frank asserts, “No man can hide his shame from Heaven that views him; In vain he flees whose destiny pursues him.” The allegorical Heaven relates to Frank’s destiny which he cannot circumvent. Endeavoring to dodge one’s destiny is futile.

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