Which is Witch? Essay -- Character Analysis, Ron Rash

The novel, â€Å"One Foot in Eden† by Ron Rash, is an extravagant story that takes the reader into a tail of desperation, forgiveness and the inevitable change that comes with time. The novel is written in first person by four different novel characters who include: The High Sheriff Alexander, Deputy Bobby, Billy Holcombe, and his wife, Amy. The High Sheriff is looking for Holland Winchester, who is known as a local ruffian and war hero. The Sheriff soon learns from Holland’s mother that he had been having an affair with Amy Holcombe prior to his disappearance. Although Amy loves her husband Billy; he cannot give her a child because he is sterile. Amy goes to Holland Winchester, her neighbor, to give her a child because Widow Glendower promised he would. Widow Glendower is a minor character in the novel â€Å"One Foot in Eden.† However, she plays a vital role. Widow Glendower is often referred to as a witch throughout the novel, often associated with a devilish figure. Many believe that witches are dangerous. â€Å"For most of history, in most of the world, the prevailing view of witches is that they present some kind of threat (690 Joshi).† There are certain characteristics that represent the figure of a witch, however, Ronald Hutton states that there is â€Å"no general agreement on what a witch or witchcraft is supposed to be.â€Å" Though out the book, some of Widow Glendower’s actions could be interpreted to embody the characteristics of a witch. However, instead of being viewed as a witch or threatening figure, Widow Glendower should be seen as a part of a traditional herbal healing age, who cared for the sick and received a bad label because of history. She should be noted as a gentle midwife that wish es to invoke life, not take it away. Wid... ...tid=12777 Kontoyannis, M., & Katsetos, C. (2011). Midwives in early modern europe (1400-1800). Health Science Journal, 5(1), 31-36. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/845921670?accountid=12777 Nolan, J., & Robbins, M. (1999). Cultural conservation of medicinal plant use in the ozarks. Human Organization, 58(1), 67-72. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/201159123?accountid=12777 Rash, Ron. One Foot in Eden. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 2002. Print. Joshi, S.T. Icons of horror and the supernatural: an encyclopedia of our worst nightmares. Greenwood Publishing Company, 2007. Volume 2. Ebook. Popkin, B. (1996). Wives, mothers, and witches: The learned discourse about women in early modern europe. Journal of Womens History, 8(3), 193-193. Retrieved from http://search.proquest.com/docview/203245655?accountid=12777