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alccx__'s review
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
4.0
neveractuallyreading's review
dark
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
jennykeery's review against another edition
3.0
I thought Elizabeth Sawyer (the eponymous witch) had some excellent speeches. I think the portrayal of her transformation from an isolated old woman who is suspected of witchcraft, into an actual witch that seems to communicate with the Devil was really well-written and interesting. However, 'The Witch of Edmonton' suffers as a whole from forced, jarring plot points such as The fact that the play is based on the true story of a woman who was hanged for practicing witchcraft does add an interesting dimension, but I feel like this is more due to the circumstances of the case than to the authors.
Spoiler
Frank's abrupt, unquestioning murder of his second wife, Susan. I also found Susan's meek acceptance of her imminent death utterly ridiculous.ashlynregan's review against another edition
dark
reflective
sad
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
1.5
Fine if you’re into the Crucible on crack.
jv1066's review against another edition
4.0
It's a messy play but I can't help but love the more bizarre aspects of it. I truly just want to play the dog in a production.
dwellordream's review
dark
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
alaskaisback's review against another edition
challenging
funny
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25
daisymaytwizell's review
3.0
For pleasure, not my favourite thing. But from a scholarly perspective this text is very interesting.
The text threads three different interactions the devil has in Edmonton: the successful conversion of Elizabeth Sawyer, the subtle manipulation of Frank Thorney, and the sheer refusal of Cuddy Banks. There is a nice interplay between its dark moral questioning and its lighter moments of humour, creating a very interesting debate about the threat of the devil. It also has interesting historical context through the real story of Elizabeth Sawyer, which adds another intellectual layer to the text.
It is still worth considering, however, that this is an old text. It doesn't quite fit into modern story-telling, and it is severely harmed by the fact that the devil isn't as rampant a fear in society now.
The text threads three different interactions the devil has in Edmonton: the successful conversion of Elizabeth Sawyer, the subtle manipulation of Frank Thorney, and the sheer refusal of Cuddy Banks. There is a nice interplay between its dark moral questioning and its lighter moments of humour, creating a very interesting debate about the threat of the devil. It also has interesting historical context through the real story of Elizabeth Sawyer, which adds another intellectual layer to the text.
It is still worth considering, however, that this is an old text. It doesn't quite fit into modern story-telling, and it is severely harmed by the fact that the devil isn't as rampant a fear in society now.
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