The Scarlet Witch has many similarities to historical witches, almost all of which are rooted in distrust and a lack of knowledge. The Scarlet Witch is able to manipulate her surrounding in a way that is never really explained. This is especially unusual, considering how much detail is put into the background stories for many other comic book characters. The Scarlet Witch’s powers also allow her to manipulate people, often causing them to see visions of their greatest fears. Unlike historical witches, the Scarlet Witch is not very provocative. Her attire is conservative for a modern movie and she has no apparent love interests throughout the movie. The presence of the Black Widow exaggerates the conservativeness of the Scarlet Witch.
The Scarlet Witch’s role in the movie also highlights a changing view of “the witch”. She starts as a character shrouded in mystery (she is often referred to as one of the twins, not by name), who is the result of some unknown experimentation. As she fights the Avengers, she is portrayed as evil, but she later becomes a valuable asset to the Avengers. Her character helps to show that a witch is no longer seen as inherently evil, but rather an empowered woman. Her character’s transformation could also reflect a change in sentiments regarding women in power.
I certainly think the Scarlet Witch is an example of an empowered witch, and I think her transformation into a positive character does indeed reflect sentiments regarding women in power.
ReplyDeleteIt's interesting to think of Scarlet Witch as a member of a castigated society, the mutants, and how that might affect her place in society and among other heroes.
In the context of the movie, her powers don't come from a natural source. She's a man-made monstrosity, and the fact that she can successfully rebel from that origin shows how she defies and subverts power.