FREN 1177 - Witchcraft, Beliefs, and Society in Modern France

This essay explores the resurgence of witchcraft and parallel beliefs in modern French society, addressing the archetypal nature of witches in folklore and their evolving role. It discusses the separation of witchcraft from religion, its transformation from satanic practices to calming energies, and the narcissistic mentality driving modern attraction to it. The essay also references Claude Levi-Strauss's "The Savage Mind," examining the magician's role in balancing the universe and correcting traditional magical operations. The paper concludes that despite opposition from religion, witchcraft maintains significant popularity, influencing modern individuals and igniting their passion for ancient practices. Desklib provides a platform to access this and many other solved assignments.

Running head: WITCHCRAFT IN FRANCE
WITCHCRAFT IN FRANCE
Name of the student:
Name of the University:
Author's Note:

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Part A:
Topic: How do you explain the “return” of witchcraft and other parallel beliefs in modern
societies?
1 the characters of witches have become an archetypal in the modern society.
2 It is the inspiration of the folklores, stories and tales that feature the country witches, volvas
and shamans.
3 this has led to believe in the persons especially women who bear supernatural powers, casts
spells and dwells in the outskirts of locality.
4 In many of the cases, these witches are represented to do curses but they have been placed in
the neutral contexts that is to serve the community.
5 however, in modern society, witchcraft has lost its dominance which was present till the
nineteenth century Europe.
6 now the magic or witch craft has been separated from religion as these practices are different in
different religion.
7 It is the energy and nature that can be used both positively as well as negatively.
8 in the modern society the witch craft has been seen in calming energies.
9 the satanic practice of witchcraft has lost its popularity as it was in previous era but the
attractions to witchcrafts has not been diminished yet.

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10 the attraction to this ancient practice has continued because with the development of
civilization and development of narcissistic mentality.
11 the curse, practice of human sacrifice and negative spells have been transformed into terror
attack, abortion and war.
12 In today’s world, human beings do no longer need the sorcery or magic potions.
13 They have more believe in the effect of drugs and pharmaceuticals (Godbeer).
14 people in modern era who feet attracted to the witch craft are either the follower of popular
make belief society.
15 some of them state that this make them more controlled and powerful.
16 To some of the critics, it is the battle for social justice which was present previously in the
society (Clark).
17 as the communities of people practicing witchcraft used to be neglected or separated from the
society, these modern people believing in witchcraft are considering this history to be significant.
18 However, witchcraft was a female centric practice in France for long period of time.
19 Hence this was considered to be female centric practice which led to enhance exploitation.
20 In many parts of the world including France, witchcraft is present till now with enough
popularity.
21 all these factors have influenced the modern people to embrace witchcraft thus enhanced the
follower igniting their passion.

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22 therefore, it can be concluded that the magic and witchcraft though separated from religion
and opposed by it, the popularity is huge.
Part B:
The Savage Mind by Claude Levi-Strauss
1 magic operation is seen to be an important part of the natural balance.
2 the magician thinks the process of balancing the objective orders of universe to be his
responsibility.
3 He considers himself to be the outsider to observe externally
4 this is considered to be a correction of the traditional outlook to see the magical operations.
5 the consideration of trickery used in the magic is keeping the balance through rites.
6 hence it is baseless to think whether the magician has contributed more or less.
7 however, to author, the magicians never cheat.
8 to him theory and practice in magic is one of degree.

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References:
Clark, Stuart. Languages of witchcraft: narrative, ideology and meaning in early modern culture.
Macmillan International Higher Education, 2017.
Godbeer, Richard. "Vexed with Devils: Manhood and Witchcraft in Old and New England."
(2018): 154-155.