53 pages • 1 hour read
Thomas Dekker, John Ford, William RowleyThe Witch of Edmonton
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1621A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
How does the play present the ideas of love and duty? Consider both marital and familial relationships and the social context of Jacobean England.
How does the play’s ending reflect its central themes? Consider Elizabeth Sawyer as well as Frank Thorney as you develop your response.
How is female sexuality explored in the play? Consider Winnifride’s story arc, as well as Elizabeth Sawyer’s relationship with Dog. How does this compare to the treatment of male sexuality—for example, in Frank Thorney and Sir Arthur?
Consider the events that are shown onstage as opposed to those that are reported. How does this impact the flow of the narrative and the play’s exploration of its key themes? Examples that you consider may include the inciting incidents prior to the play’s beginning, Susan and Frank’s marriage, Susan’s murder, and Anne Ratcliffe’s death.
How does the play examine the connection between sinful actions and deliberate intent? How is moral responsibility assigned? Consider Winnifride’s, Susan’s, and Elizabeth Sawyer’s actions as you develop your answer.
Does the play suggest that people can change, depending on their circumstances, or that they have a fundamental constant nature? You may research the idea of “nature versus nurture” in the early modern period.
How does religion shape the characters’ lives and choices? Explore the context of religion in the Jacobean period.
Which characters in the play behave deceptively, and what are the consequences of this? Do any characters deceive themselves? In addition to Frank Thorney, consider Sir Arthur, Susan, and Elizabeth Sawyer.
This play was first written in 1621, but it was not published until 1658, reflecting that its intended purpose was as a play to be watched rather than read. What clues do the playwrights give about how to stage it? For example, consider stage directions, setting, and the use of theatrical conventions such as asides. Which sections of the play might be especially impactful when staged?
