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| Margaret Hamilton in a publicity still for The Wizard of Oz(1939) |
With the arrival of Halloween, it seemed an appropriate time to do
a post on at least one ghoulish/magical figure. What better
candidate than the witch? The first Halloween costume I wore was a
witch and, with fitting symmetry, it has been the costume of choice for the past
couple Halloweens (a graduation gown can indeed have multiple uses). What is it
about the Witch that provokes our imaginations? Whether she has been viewed as
an object of fear or of admiration has depended hugely on historical milieu and
cultural context, but her hold has always been tenacious. Fasten your
broomsticks—it’s going to be a bumpy ride.
