A Mirror for Witches: Analysis of Major Characters
"A Mirror for Witches: Analysis of Major Characters" explores the intricate relationships and conflicts among a group of characters in a historical narrative centered on the themes of witchcraft and societal perception. At the heart of the story is Doll, a Breton child adopted by Captain Jared Bilby, whose life becomes entwined with sorcery after her mother is executed for witchcraft. As she matures, peculiar occurrences lead to her being accused of witchcraft herself, culminating in her tragic fate. Captain Bilby, her foster father, initially supports her but faces his own demise due to Doll's curse after he insists she marry Titus Thumb, a young man infatuated with her.
Other key figures include Hannah Bilby, who harbors resentment toward Doll, attributing her own misfortunes to the girl’s supposed powers, and the Thumb family, particularly Titus's mother and father, who are convinced Doll has bewitched their daughters. The character of Goody Greene, an old herb woman, provides a semblance of support for Doll, while Mr. Zacharias Zelley, the village minister, attempts to offer solace and protect her soul. The narrative also introduces supernatural elements through The Bloody Shad, a pirate and Doll’s perceived demon lover, further complicating her tragic arc. Overall, the text delves into themes of fear, misunderstanding, and the harsh realities of societal judgments surrounding witchcraft.
A Mirror for Witches: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Esther Forbes
First published: 1928
Genre: Novel
Locale: Massachusetts
Plot: Psychological realism
Time: Seventeenth century
Doll, a Breton child adopted by Captain Jared Bilby after her mother is burned as a witch. As she grows up, strange things happen to her and around her, until she is thought to be a witch and believes it herself. She is tried for witchcraft but dies peacefully in her cell; she believes her demon lover has come for her.
Captain Jared Bilby, an English sea captain who becomes Doll's foster father. He takes her to America with his family and rears her. When he wants her to marry Titus Thumb, she curses him and he dies.
Hannah Bilby, Captain Bilby's wife. She hates the child her husband has taken in, believing that a searing look from Doll causes her miscarriage. When Doll grows up, Hannah accuses her of being a witch.
Titus Thumb, a young man in love with Doll. At first, Doll locks him out of the house when he comes courting. When he asks her to marry him, she bites his hand.
Labour and Sorrow Thumb, Titus' twin sisters. They claim that Doll tortures them with her witchcraft.
The Bloody Shad, a pirate. Doll believes he is her demon lover. The name is also given to an impish monkey her lover has with him. He is the son of Goody Greene. When he is executed at Boston harbor with two other pirates, Doll is lonely again.
Goody Greene, an old herb woman thought to be a witch. She is The Bloody Shad's mother. She and the minister are the only ones in the village who remain friendly to Doll.
Mr. Zacharias Zelley, the minister in the village. He tries to comfort Doll and save her soul.
Mrs. Thumb, Titus' mother. She is sure that Doll has bewitched her daughters.
Ahab, a savage black bull owned by the Thumbs. Doll has a strange power over him, and he is friendly to her but to no one else.
Deacon Thumb, Titus' father. Finally convinced that Doll is a witch, he has her jailed.
Mr. Kleaver, a surgeon. He joins Deacon Thumb in insisting that Doll be jailed.