Two Witches by Robert Frost (1923)
The work presents two witches, each with distinct narratives that explore themes of memory, identity, and the supernatural. In the first narrative, a mother and son, both old-believers, recount eerie experiences involving a skeleton that has mysteriously moved from the cellar to the attic. The mother reflects on her past with her deceased husband, Toffile, and the haunting presence of the bones. The narrative reveals a complex relationship with death, memory, and the supernatural, as the mother grapples with the implications of the bones' existence and their connection to her past. The son, initially curious, learns unsettling truths about their family history, including the violent act that led to the bones being buried in their cellar. The mother’s admission of the truth signifies a shift in their dynamic, as she chooses to confront the past rather than hide it. The second narrative features a pauper witch who challenges the towns of Wentworth and Grafton over her identity and the misconceptions surrounding her. She asserts her independence and the absurdity of being claimed by both towns, emphasizing her preference for Wentworth. The witch reflects on her past, including her marriage to Arthur Amy, and the societal perceptions of her as a witch. She recounts the events that led to her reputation, including a scandal involving an old man, Mallice Huse, and the consequences of her actions. The narrative highlights her defiance against societal norms and the complexities of her identity as a witch, revealing her struggles with self-worth and the expectations placed upon her. Both narratives intertwine themes of the supernatural with personal history, exploring how the past shapes identity and the ways in which individuals confront their legacies. The witches embody a blend of power and vulnerability, navigating their relationships with the living and the dead, while challenging societal perceptions of witchcraft and femininity.
By Robert Frost · First published 1923 · Genre: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Supernatural Fiction · 3,141 words
First lines
The Witch of Coös Circa 1922.
I staid the night for shelter at a farm Behind the mountain, with a mother and son, Two old-believers. They did all the talking.
What this Textopian page supports
Two Witches is listed on Textopian as a novella by Robert Frost, dated 1923 CE.
This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.
- Work type: Novella
- Author: Robert Frost
- Date: 1923 CE
- Language: English
- Genres: Poetry, Literary Fiction, Supernatural Fiction, Dark Comedy, Folklore
- Length: 3,141 words
- Structure: 1 section, 113 paragraphs
- Reading fit: Easy (6th Grade)
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- Work identity for Two Witches by Robert Frost
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Discussion starters
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Genres
- Poetry — The work is written in verse, showcasing Frost's characteristic poetic style.
- Literary Fiction — The themes explore complex human emotions, relationships, and existential questions.
- Supernatural Fiction — The narrative involves witches, spirits, and supernatural elements, central to the plot.
- Dark Comedy — The dialogue and situations contain elements of humor intertwined with dark themes.
Tags
Witchcraft · Magic · Fantasy · Mystery · Supernatural · Folklore · Mythology · Poetry · Literary Fiction · Dark Fantasy · Occultism · Sorcery