A Discovery of Witches

Blog 5
Week of 9/30/19

For this week’s topic I choose an alternative book to read called A Discovery
of Witches by Deborah Harkness which is the first installment in the All Souls
Trilogy. There’s no witches flying on their broomsticks or making potions for the
main character, a college professor, Diana Bishop. She wants nothing to do with
witch craft ever since her parents were murder for being witches. Ignoring her
true nature comes to an end when she calls up the book Ashmole 782. She soon
realizes that she has unlocked a spell that has kept its secrets hidden within the
book. A book that no one has ever been able to find. The secrets inside Ashmole
782 that everyone in the supernatural community has been wanting to know for
centuries. This causes Diana to be danger for she is the only one who has the
power to open it.

There were a few archetypes of witches that I came across while reading.
The one most noticeable and that happens frequently is moving things without
touching them. An example of this occurs when Diana is reaching for a book in the
library that is just out of reach. Without meaning to the book glides down right
into her hand. We also get a glance of the power of foretelling the future from
one of Diana’s aunts. Another archetype is witches having abilities based on the
four elements. As Diana tries to get a hold on her powers to protect herself, she
soon realizes she has been suppressing a variety of powers. These elemental
powers include water and fire. She learns most of her powers on accident but
usually when her emotions are high. Diana discovers her witchwater ability when
her romance interest, Matthew, leaves her to deal with a dangerous situation.
Worrying about his well being causes her distress and her tears turn out of
proportion to match how she is feeling inside.

A character that represents the way culture models women with power in
the book is the forbidden love interest and vampire, Matthew Clairmont.
Matthew is a 1,500 years old so you could say he’s a bit old fashion. As a vampire
he becomes attached and very protective of Diana, who didn’t ask for it. This
relationship between Matthew and Diana is a great example of how society marks
women with power not being able to handle it. Time after time throughout the
book Matthew tries to shelter and prevent her from touching a finger on the
many dangers that occur. As he believes she won’t be able to handle it but she
always exceeds his expectations.