Magicians and Witch Folk
The poem explores the contrast between the rationality of science and the mysticism of folklore, using the metaphor of a magician and witch folk to highlight the tension between reason and superstition. The speaker presents a series of vignettes that illustrate the coexistence of these two worldviews in rural New England.
By John Greenleaf Whittier · First published 1858 · Genre: Folklore, Supernatural, Historical Fiction · 3,895 words
First lines
FASCINATION, saith Henry Cornelius Agrippa, in the fiftieth chapter of his first book on Occult Philosophy, "is a binding which comes of the spirit of the witch through the eyes of him that is bewitched, entering to his heart; for the eye being opened and intent upon any one, with a strong imagination doth dart its beams, which are the vehiculum of the spirit, into the eyes of him that is opposite to her; which tender spirit strikes his eyes, stirs up and wounds his heart, and infects his spirit. Whence Apuleius saith, 'Thy eyes, sliding down through my eyes into my inmost heart, stirreth up a most vehement burning. ' And when eyes are reciprocally intent upon each other, and when rays are joined to rays, and lights to lights, then the spirit of the one is joined to that of the other; so are strong ligations made and vehement loves inflamed. " Taking this definition of witchcraft, we sadly fear it is still practised to a very great extent among us. The best we can say of it is, that the business seems latterly to have fallen into younger hands; its victims do not appear to regard themselves as especial objects of compassion; and neither church nor state seems inclined to interfere with it.
What this Textopian page supports
Magicians and Witch Folk is listed on Textopian as a short story by John Greenleaf Whittier, dated 1858 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Short story
- Author: John Greenleaf Whittier
- Date: 1858 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Folklore, Supernatural, Historical Fiction, Non-fiction, Gothic
- Length: 3,895 words
- Structure: 1 section, 28 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Fairly Difficult (10th-12th Grade)
Good citation fit
- Work identity for Magicians and Witch Folk by John Greenleaf Whittier
- Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
- Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
- Readability and classroom-planning context
- Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph
Discussion starters
- What should a reader notice first when entering Magicians and Witch Folk?
- How does this short story by John Greenleaf Whittier fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
- Where does Folklore first become important in the reading?
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Genres
- Folklore — The work explores themes of witchcraft and magic, drawing heavily on local legends and cultural beliefs.
- Supernatural — The narrative delves into supernatural occurrences and the belief in magical practices within a community.
- Historical Fiction — The text reflects historical attitudes towards witchcraft and magic, set against a backdrop of New England's past.
- Non-fiction — The work presents a factual exploration of witchcraft practices and societal reactions, blending narrative with historical commentary.
Tags
American Literature · Poetry Collection · Folklore · Magic · Witchcraft · New England · 19th Century · Verse · Ballads · Romanticism · Symbolism · Mythology